Smart acrylic coatings for corrosion detection

•Acrylic polymers modified with 5-acrylamido-1,10-phenanthroline (AMP) were synthesized and characterized.•Modified polymer forms complex with Fe2+ ions released during corrosion and shows red color at corrosion sites.•Polarization resistance and color change of coating were correlated to optimize AMP content of the polymer.•Modified polymer detects the onset of corrosion at an early stage.•Polymer has shown its potential to be used as binder for corrosion sensing coating.