Versatile natural dispersants for electrophoretic deposition of materials

Natural anionic molecules, such as glycyrrhizic acid and 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid are used as dispersants for electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of polyvinylidene fluoride, polytetrafluoroethylene, diamond and composites. The superior behavior of the dispersants is linked to the beneficial effects of their chemical structure, pH-dependent charge, pH-dependent solubility, and film-forming properties. The analysis of the deposition yield provides an insight into the influence of the chemical structure of the dispersants on EPD efficiency of different materials. Obtained films provide corrosion protection of steel and can be used for various applications based on advanced functional properties of the deposited materials.