Zinc-reduced graphene oxide for enhanced corrosion protection of zinc-rich epoxy coatings

Zinc-reduced graphene oxide (Zn/rGO) is introduced into zinc-rich coatings (ZRCs) to enhance the anticorrosion performance. The interaction between zinc powder and graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets can simultaneously realize the reduction of GO and the dispersion of rGO nanosheets. Scanning electron microscopy, potentiodynamic polarization, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray test are used to characterize the corrosion protection performance of coatings. The results of coating morphology, electrochemical measurements and salt spray test demonstrate that the well-dispersed rGO nanosheets decrease the coating porosity and provide effective protectiveness for zinc particles, thus Zn-rGO/ZRC generating improved barrier property against aggressive species and long-term cathodic protection ability as compared to other coatings.