Microstructure and corrosion properties of zinc-graphene oxide composite coatings

Microstructure and corrosion properties of electrodeposited zinc-graphene oxide (Zn-GO) composite coatings and Zn-GO-Zn multilayer coating was investigated. Addition of GO enhanced the corrosion resistance of the composite coating. Microstructural characterization revealed that the enhancement in the corrosion resistance was due to GO induced significant reduction in Zn grains sizes which would facilitate formation of protective oxide layer. Microstructural characterization of exposed Zn-GO-Zn multilayer coatings revealed relatively lesser oxidation of Zn regions beneath the GO layer which further illustrated the role of impermeability of GO towards hindering the penetration of the electroactive media and thereby retarding the corrosion rate.