Corrosion Protection Properties of Nano NH2-Reduced Graphene Oxide/Epoxy Composite Coatings Formed by Self-Curing on Magnesium Alloy

Nano NH2-reduced graphene oxide (NGO) and NGO/epoxy resin coatings were prepared, respectively. NGO/epoxy coating was successfully coated on magnesium alloy substrates. X-ray diffraction patterns, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to characterize the composition and morphology of NGO and composite coatings. The effect of the content of NGO on the corrosion protection performance of coatings was evaluated with electrochemical measurements in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solutions. Tafel and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis revealed that an optimal addition amount of 0.3 wt.% NGO provided the superior corrosion protection properties. The composite coatings exhibited outstanding barrier properties against aggressive species compared to pure epoxy coating. The self-curing reaction of amine and epoxy radicals could produce the compact cross-linking reticular structure. This self-curing reaction was a nucleophilic addition, and amine radical preferred to bond the (b) site of graphene sheets due to the lowest Gibbs free energy. The cross-linking structure and some polar groups could act as a good reservoir for corrosive medium via absorption and fixation.