Investigation of the anticorrosion properties of graphene oxide doped thin organic anticorrosion films for hot-dip galvanized steel

Graphene oxide (GO) was doped into a silicylacrylate core-shell copolymer emulsion to prepare a thin organic anticorrosion film on galvanized steel. The effect of GO on the composition, morphology, and corrosion resistance of the protective film was investigated. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies revealed that the film composition remained unchanged after the incorporation of GO. Further, scanning electronic microscopic observations revealed significant modification of the defects in the film after the addition of GO, resulting in decreased surface roughness. The increase in the water contact angle and decreases in both the surface free energy and adhesion work confirmed a decrease in the hydrophilicity of the anticorrosion film after incorporation of GO. Most importantly, the corrosion rate of the film and the corrosion current density decreased by one and two orders of magnitude, respectively. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy also suggested significant increase in resistance to the ionic current through the pores and the charge transfer resistance. All these results proved the positive effect of GO on the enhancement of corrosion resistance.