Researchers found that the addition of 0.5 wt% graphene oxide (GO) to an epoxy resin-SiO2 matrix significantly improves the mechanical and anti-corrosive properties of the coating.

The anti-corrosive properties of the coatings were evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and accelerated corrosion using a salt spray chamber showing that GO forms an anti-corrosive barrier increasing the operation life of the coatings in corrosive environments. Anti-ice properties were related to the contact angle measurement from which the GO concentrations showed more hydrophobic behavior. All the tests were carried out according to ASTM standards.

 The incorporation of 0.5% of GO showed a significant improvement in the mechanical and anti-corrosive results, improving corrosion resistance up to 500 h. The abrasion tests had an increase in 35%, its hardness up to 9H, and the wear index improved by 29.14% compared with composites with 0.1 wt% of GO and without GO. The HREF1 and HREF5 materials do present an increase in the contact angle thanks to the incorporation of graphene oxide. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and the impedance curves show a better behavior for the HREF5 composite due to the difference in resistance over time.

Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 21, pages 559–574, (2024)