Optimizing copper anticorrosive protection: properties of GPTMS-TiO hybrid organic-inorganic sol-gel coatings via the dip-coating technique

This paper reports a novel coating containing activated TiO for improving corrosion resistance of Cu. In this study, three types of coatings were compared: one made from GPTMS (3-Glycidopropyltrimethoxysilane) (GC1), and two hybrid sol-gel coatings derived from G1 (solution organic) and activated with titanium. The Class I (GC2) coatings contained crystallized TiO particles integrated into the matrix, while the Class II (GC3) coatings used the liquid precursor TTIP (titanium (IV) isopropoxide). The three coatings, with thicknesses of 0.777 ± 0.5 pm (GC1), 2.054 ± 0.5 pm (GC2), and 3.774 ± 0.23 pm (GC3), were analyzed using XRD, optical profilometry, and SEM techniques. GC1 and GC3 exhibited uniform structures, while GC2 showed cracks due to TiO particles. After salt spray exposure per ASTM B117, the coatings were labeled GCE1, GCE2, and GCE3 for evaluation. Salt spray exposure caused SiO precipitates, impacting coating performance. GC3, with TTIP, showed a uniform surface and controlled roughness, leading to superior corrosion resistance (95% efficiency, 2764 Q), outperforming GC2 (94% efficiency, 1331 Q) and the substrate (918 Q). TTIP improved adhesion and barrier formation, while TiO coatings (GC1, GC2) had increased roughness due to particle irregularities. GC3’s thicker, well-integrated structure contributed to its enhanced performance in corrosive environments.