Pourbaix sensors in polyurethane molecular logic-based coatings for early detection of corrosion. Issue 1 (17th December 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scerri, Glenn J.; Spiteri, Jake C.; Magri, David C.
• Is Part Of: Materials advances. Volume 2:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 434
• Page End: 439
• Publication Date: 2020-12-17
• Subjects: 620.11
• DOI: 10.1039/d0ma00839g
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2633-5409

Abstract

Abstract : Corrosion is detected by logic-based molecules before it is visible to the naked eye. Abstract : The cost of corrosion to the world economy is estimated to be in excess of US$2.5 trillion per year. Herein we present a strategy for the early detection of corrosion using purposely designed molecules with on-board parallel processing in a polyurethane coating on mild steel. The proof-of-concept is demonstrated with perylenediimide and 4-amino-1, 8-naphthalimide-based molecules that function as H +, Fe 3+ -driven AND logic gates for high acidity and oxidising conditions. The onset of corrosion is detected by an enhanced yellow-green fluorescence (>500 nm). The extent of fluorescence enhancement is viewed by confocal fluorescence microscopy. The applicability of logic-based molecules represents a method for the non-destructive and early detection of corrosion long before the metal surface suffers any permanent damage.