Synthesis, and Characterization of Superhydrophobic Ceria Doped Cardanol Polyurea Nanocomposite Coatings with Robust Anti-Corrosive and Anti-Bacterial Properties

Abstract

Drawing inspiration from nature, superhydrophobic surfaces have shown the potential to enhance metal protection against corrosion by minimizing the contact area between liquids and the surface. So, the present study investigates the anti-corrosive behavior, antibacterial activity, and physico-mechanical properties of a superhydrophobic nanocomposite coating.  Specifically, it focuses on the synthesis, application, and properties of superhydrophobic randomly oriented but uniformly distributed ceria (CeO2) doped cardanol-based bio-polymeric nanocomposite (CP@CeO2) coatings. The synthesis offers an innovative and solvent-less alternative to the traditional coating systems. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) standard techniques have been used to confirm the formation of CP@CeO2 nanomaterials. The performance of the superhydrophobic CP@CeO2 nanocomposite coatings have been verified by various standard techniques like field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), thermal stability analysis, hydrophobicity measurement, physico-mechanical properties. The anti-corrosive performance of CP@CeO2 nanocomposite coating is evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The results demonstrate the remarkable physico-mechanical properties, superhydrophobicity (contact angle of 150-155º), antimicrobial property against Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, and anti-corrosive behaviour of the superhydrophobic CP@CeO2 nanocomposite coatings. These findings highlight the potential of these coatings as effective corrosion-resistant materials with promising applications in various industries.

Keywords: superhydrophobic surfaces, Corrosion barriers, bio-polymer, cerium oxide, Anti-bacterial, anti-corrosive