The purpose of this work was to compare the protective capacity of several alkyd primers pigmented with 12.1 volume percent either of calcium phosphate or micronized zinc phosphate as anticorrosive pigments, A paint containing zinc chromate was used as reference. The performance of these paints on steel was assessed through
Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) using a 3% NaCl solution. Atler 576 hr immersion, the paint with calcium phosphate and specially that with micronized zinc phosphate, showed a better behavior than paint with zinc chromate. Paint rating, using impedance parameters (ionic resistance and capacitance of the paint film, and breakpoint frequency), was in agreement with the visible paint deterioration and corrosion, In addition, there was a good correlation between these parameter and the open circuit corrosion potential of the metallic substrate. Key words: alkyd, breakpoint frequency, coated steel, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, organic coatings, non-toxic
pigments, zinc chromate, zinc phosphate.