Epoxy-polyamide nanocomposite coating with graphene oxide as cerium nanocontainer generating effective dual active/barrier corrosion protection

An epoxy-polyamide composite coating with dual active/barrier corrosion protection capabilities was formulated using graphene oxide (GO) as a gallery for storage and targeted release of cerium cation inhibitors by an ion exchange mechanism on the steel corrosion sites. The successful adsorption of cerium cations over the GO nanosheets was detected via SEM, TGA and Raman spectroscopy. The role of Ce-GO in the barrier properties and active inhibition was evidenced through EIS assessment of polymeric coatings with and without an artificial scratch. SEM/EDS analysis of the scratch region indicated formation of a protective layer resulting from release of Ce component from the nanocontainer.