Effect of Cadmium on Structure, Corrosion, and Magnetic Properties of Polymer–Spinel Ferrite Composite Coatings Deposited by EPD

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.

2 Department of Materials Engineering and Metallurgy, Faculty of Engineering, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran

Abstract

High-entropy spinel ferrites (HESFs) have emerged as promising multifunctional materials due to their tunable magnetic and corrosion properties. In this study, composite coatings composed of six high-entropy spinel ferrite compositions and polyethyleneimine (PEI) were deposited on copper substrates via electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The effects of Cd incorporation and polymerization time (15 and 30 h at 180 °C) on microstructure, magnetic behavior, and corrosion performance were systematically investigated. Zeta potential values shifted from near-neutral (+1.57 to −0.94 mV) to more negative values (−6.81 to −10.46 mV) after 3 min under an electric field, indicating improved electrophoretic mobility. Uniform coatings were obtained under optimized conditions (200 V, 3 min, 2 g/L SDS). Increasing polymerization time enhanced coating cohesion but promoted crack growth, especially in Cd-containing samples.All coatings exhibited ferromagnetic behavior, although magnetic parameters decreased compared to powders due to polymer-induced dilution and reduced interparticle interactions. Electrochemical results showed that Cd incorporation reduced corrosion current density from 2.15 μA/cm² to as low as 0.1–0.5 μA/cm², indicating improved corrosion resistance. However, increasing polymerization time could increase icorr (e.g., from 0.1 to 5 μA/cm²) due to crack propagation. EIS analysis revealed a maximum total resistance of ~7544 Ω·cm², confirming enhanced corrosion protection under optimal conditions. Overall, coating performance is governed by the interplay between composition, polymerization, and microstructure, and optimal conditions are essential for achieving high-performance multifunctional coatings.

Keywords

References

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Challenges in Nano and Micro Scale Science and Technology
Volume 14, Issue 2
September 2026
Pages 1-15

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