The large sizes of cations and anions of organic salts
are the
driving force for the application of ionic liquids (organic salts)
in harsh salty conditions. Moreover, the formation of crosslinked
ionic liquid networks as anti-rust and anticorrosion protective films
on the substrate surfaces repels seawater salt and water vapor from
their surface to prevent corrosion. In this respect, an imidazolium
epoxy resin and polyamine hardener as ionic liquids were prepared
by the condensation of either pentaethylenehexamine or ethanolamine
with glyoxal and p-hydroxybenzaldehyde or formalin
in acetic acid as a catalyst. The hydroxyl and phenol groups of the
imidazolium ionic liquid were reacted with epichlorohydrine in the
presence of NaOH as a catalyst to prepare polyfunctional epoxy resins.
The chemical structure, nitrogen content, amine value, epoxy equivalent
weight, thermal characteristics, and stability of the imidazolium
epoxy resin and polyamine hardener were evaluated. Moreover, their
curing and thermomechanical properties were investigated to confirm
the formation of homogeneous, elastic, and thermally stable cured
epoxy networks. The corrosion inhibition and salt spray resistance
of the uncured and cured imidazolium epoxy resin and polyamine as
coatings for steel in seawater were evaluated.