Investigating the Corrosion Inhibition Performance of a Novel Coconut Oil-Based Poly(urethane-urea) Hybrid Coating on Carbon Steel in 3.5% NaCl Solution

Abstract

Polyurethane has been used for years as an anti-corrosion coating due to its intrinsic hydrophobic properties. However, its hydrophobicity is not enough to inhibit the permeation of corrosive agents; thus, incorporating it with polyurea would further enhance its hydrophobic properties. In this study, coconut oil, a saturated, low molecular weight vegetable oil, was employed as an eco-friendly precursor for synthesizing a novel poly(urethane-urea)- based hybrid coating. The synthesis process involved the utilization of a coconut oil-based polyol blend, triethanolamine (TEA) as an amine source, and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI). The resulting hybrid coating on carbon steel demonstrated remarkable anticorrosion performance in a 3.5 wt. % NaCl solution, owing to the intrinsic hydrophobic characteristics of coconut oil and polyurea. Significant corrosion rate reduction was observed with increasing amine content, accompanied by an enhancement in mechanical properties. Notably, an amine loading of 4% consistently exhibited superior corrosion resistance and mechanical performance in the hybrid coating. Chemical structural analysis revealed a hydrogen-bonding network in polyurea coatings, reducing porosity, enhancing barrier properties, and improving mechanical characteristics, highlighting its potential for sustainable corrosion protection.