Organic-inorganic hybrid coatings for corrosion protection

The corrosion resistance of sol-gel derived, organic-inorganic, silica-based hybrid coatings with various amounts of organic content was studied. Hybrid sols were prepared by copolymerizing tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) with a two-step acid-catalyst process. Hybrid coatings were dip-coated on 304 stainless steel substrates and annealed at 300 degreesC for 30 min. Such prepared hybrid coatings were found to be relatively dense, uniform and defect free. The adhesion and flexibility of the coatings were characterized. The influences of the amount of organic component incorporated into the coatings and the aging of sols on corrosion protection were studied. Electrochemical analyses showed that the relatively dense hybrid coatings provided excellent corrosion protection by forming a physical barrier, which effectively separated the anode from the cathode. Some preliminary biocompatibility tests were also conducted on the hybrid coatings. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.