Self-healing polymer coatings with cellulose nanofibers served as pathways for the release of a corrosion inhibitor

Polymer coatings containing cellulose nanofibers were applied to carbon steel for corrosion inhibition. The specimens were scratched with a knife-edge, and then polarization resistance was monitored in a sodium chloride solution. The polarization resistance of the scratched specimen containing nanofibers and corrosion inhibitor was higher than that of a polymer coating that contained only a corrosion inhibitor. The optimal mixing ratio of corrosion inhibitor for cellulose nanofibers was 4. Empty holes were confirmed on a cross-section of the polymer coating after the corrosion test, which showed that the nanofibers served as pathways for the release of the corrosion inhibitor. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.