Modelling of the surface properties of model anti-corrosion materials by inverse gas chromatography

To reinforce the protection of the steel against corrosion, surface treatments are carried out (conversion coating, for example) followed most often by the application of an organic coating. The adhesion of the conversion layer or of the polymer to the metal oxide layer must be optimal. However, in adhesion phenomena, the dispersive interactions and acid-base type interactions between the surface sites of the two materials in contact play an important role. In order to understand and predict adhesion, it is necessary to quantify these interactions. The authors proposed in this research to study the dispersive and Lewis acid-base interactions between the oxides present on the surface of galvanized sheets and model organic molecules by using the inverse gas chromatography (IGC) at infinite dilution and the new models recently published. The obtained results proved that the dispersive surface energy of the Monogal surface is greater than that of zinc oxide surface, but much lower than the zinc hydroxide surface. It was also shown that the Monogal exhibited the lower Lewis acid-base properties.