Exploration of Mo incorporated TiO2 composite for sustained biocorrosion control on zinc coating

Biocorrosion or microbially influenced corrosion is an important issue for galvanized steel structures and articles. Molybdenum incorporated TiO2 (Mo-TiO2) composite is first ever explored in the present study, as a chemical modifier due to its high antibacterial activity and long term stability against biocorrosion. It also facilitates good matrix formation. In the present work, high zone of inhibition and low bacterial survival percentage of the molybdenum incorporated TiO2 is achieved, which enhance antibacterial activity towards visible region. The biocidal effect, chemical stability and corrosion resistance of the composite coating in different systems are evaluated by various techniques, such as Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Potentiodynamic Polarization studies. The corrosion inhibition efficiency of the composite incorporated zinc coating is very high even after long exposure in different aggressive media. The developed composite incorporated coating yields an efficient and sustained control on biocorrosion on zinc coatings. This methodology avoids usage of conventional inconsistent chemical based methods such as paintings and other methods for long standing protection of such big galvanized iron articles and structures.