Synthesis and characterization of the fourth generation of zinc phosphate pigment in the presence of benzotriazole

Abstract A novel potassium zinc phosphate (PZP) pigment was synthesized in the presence of benzotriazole (BTA) by a co-precipitation method. The chemical composition of the pigment was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscope. The inhibitive performance of the pigment was studied in comparison with PZP and conventional zinc phosphate pigments by polarization technique. The mild steel panels were dipped in the 3.5 wt% NaCl solutions containing pigments extracts. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis and visual investigation was performed on the mild steel panels after immersion. Results showed that PZP-BTA pigment was synthesized successfully. The chemical bonding between PZP and BTA was demonstrated by different techniques. The greater inhibitive action of the PZP-BTA in comparison with PZP and zinc phosphate was demonstrated in this study.