Abstract:Performance comparisons between organic and inorganic zinc-rich paints (ZRPs) were carried out. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were used to assess the corrosion prevention performance of the ZRP coatings. The results show that during the cathodic protection period the potentials of the epoxy systems are less negative than those of the silicate system. For the zinc-rich ethyl silicate paints, the initial values of the resistance through the binder and the charge transfer resistance associated with zinc dissolution are several orders of magnitude lower than those of the organic zinc paints, while the initial values of the capacitance due to the binder layer between Zn dust and the double layer capacitance for zinc dissolution are several orders of magnitude higher than those of the organic zinc paints. Furthermore, the deterioration with time of capability of the zinc particles in the paint to provide cathodic protection to the steel was interpreted.

Key words:  zinc-rich paints; epoxy; ethyl silicate; electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; cathodic protection