An investigation into resorcinol formaldehyde carbon aerogel/epoxy coatings: Exploring mechanical properties, ultraviolet stability, and corrosion resistance

In the present study, carbon aerogels (CAs) are prepared through the pyrolysis of resorcinol-formaldehyde aerogel and are then used as reinforcement in epoxy resin (ER) for coating applications. In order to reduce the viscosity of ER and enhance the dispersion and wetting of CA particles in the epoxy matrix, a reactive diluent is used. ER coatings containing different contents of CAs were synthesized and analyzed in terms of mechanical, morphological, ultraviolet (UV) resistance, adhesion, and anticorrosion properties. Applying only 3 wt% of CAs could significantly improve the mechanical properties, impact strength, and the joint shear strength of the ER. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy data before and after UV degradation were used for investigating the effect of CAs on UV stability; it was confirmed that CAs particles improved the UV resistance of the epoxy coatings. Moreover, the results of salt spray test and electro impedance spectroscopy proved that CAs enhanced the corrosion resistance of the epoxy coatings efficiently.