Poly(2,3-dimethylaniline)/ZrO2 composite (PZC) was prepared by in situ polymerization on the surface of ZrO2 using ammonium persulfate as oxidant. The structure and electrochemical performances of PZC were characterized by UV-vis spectra, FT-IR spectra, Thermogravimetric-Differential Thermal Analysis (TGA-DTA), polarization curve (TAF) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The UV-vis spectra and FT-IR spectra indicated that certain interaction existed between Poly(2,3-dimethylaniline) (P(2.3-DMA)) and ZrO2. TGA-DTA analysis manifested that the thermal stability of PZC was much better than P(2,3-DMA). The TAF and EIS tests demonstrated that the anticorrosion property was better when the content of ZrO2 was 15%. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.