PVA/PEGDA microgels loaded with L-cysteine for corrosion inhibition coating on fragile bronze

Bronze holds immense artistic, historical, and scientific significance, representing a valuable component of humanity's cultural heritage. Despite its cultural value, bronze is susceptible to corrosion and damage caused by environmental factors. This paper prepared an environmentally friendly poly(vinyl alcohol)/ poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PVA/PEGDA) microgel loaded with L-cysteine (Cys), which effectively protects fragile bronze artifacts. In this study, the color and microstructure of the bronze coatings were characterized using a camera, colorimeter and scanning electron microscope. The results showed that the PVA/PEGDA microgels loaded with Cys (PVA/PEGDA + Cys microgels coating) not only did not change the color and appearance of the bronze, but also adhered and bonded well to the bronze surface. Confocal microscopy confirmed the soft and self-healing properties of the PVA/PEGDA + Cys microgels coating. Electrochemical testing and analysis showed that the PVA/PEGDA + Cys microgels coating exhibited excellent corrosion inhibition performance, with a corrosion inhibition efficiency of as high as 95.66%. The compressive test shows that the PVA/PEGDA + Cys microgels coating has certain reinforcement properties for bronze. The complete removal of PVA/PEGDA + Cys microgels coating can be achieved by spraying ethanol solution, indicating the enormous potential of microgels coating in protecting corroded bronze artifacts in the short term.