Core-shell zinc phosphate/biopolymer nanocomposites: comparative anticorrosion and antibacterial performance of cellulose and chitosan coatings on mild steel
Mohammadkhani, F, Mohammadkhani, A, Farhadyar, N, Hayati, P, Zeinalipour -Yazdi, C. D. and Khodabakhshi, S (2026) Core-shell zinc phosphate/biopolymer nanocomposites: comparative anticorrosion and antibacterial performance of cellulose and chitosan coatings on mild steel. Inorganic Chemistry Communications. (In Press)
Abstract
The corrosion of mild steel in chloride-rich environments, exacerbated by microbial colonization and biofilm formation, remains a critical challenge for industrial infrastructure. A dual-functional zinc phosphate–biopolymer nanocomposite system was developed to enhance the corrosion resistance and antibacterial protection of mild steel in saline solution. Zinc-phosphate nanoparticles (average diameter 36.25 nm) were stabilized using cellulose (ZnP@Cel, shell thickness 5.25 nm) and chitosan (ZnP@Ch, shell thickness 4 nm), forming uniform core–shell structures as confirmed by TEM and FTIR, where coordination interactions dominated in ZnP@Ch and hydrogen-bonding governed ZnP@Cel. Electrochemical measurements in 3.5 wt% NaCl revealed a superior barrier performance for ZnP@Cel, achieving a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 75.3% under the tested conditions (3.5 wt% NaCl, 24 h immersion) and reducing the corrosion current density from 7.12 to 1.76 μA·cm−2. EIS analysis further demonstrated the highest charge-transfer resistance (6127 Ω·cm2) and elevated low-frequency impedance, indicating the formation of a compact and protective interfacial layer. In parallel, antibacterial assays against Streptococcus mutans confirmed significant bacterial reduction for both nanocomposites, with ZnP@Cel exhibiting complete inhibition while maintaining cytocompatibility. The integrated electrochemical and biological results highlight the potential of ZnP@Cel as an eco-friendly, dual-function protective material for steel structures exposed to corrosive and microbially active environments. The integrated electrochemical and biological results highlight the potential of ZnP@Cel as an eco-friendly, dual-function protective material for steel structures exposed to corrosive and microbially active environments.
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