Organic–inorganic hybrid coatings for corrosion protection of 1050 aluminum alloy

Organic–inorganic hybrid coatings based on sol–gel process have been developed for corrosion protection of 1050 aluminum alloys by dip coatings technique. The hybrid sols were prepared by hydrolysis and condensation of 3-glicidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS) in the presence of an acidic catalyst. Bisphenol A (BPA) has been used as cross-linking agent. Structural characterization of the sol and cured hybrid were performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and attenuated total reflection infrared (ATR-IR) spectroscopy. Corrosion resistance properties of the hybrid sol–gel coatings were studied by electrochemical and salt spray testing methods. The results indicate excellent barrier protection performance of the coatings.