Exploring corrosion protection properties of solvent based epoxy-graphene oxide nanocomposite coatings on mild steel

Solvent-based epoxy coatings filled with graphene oxide nanosheets (GO) are developed to enhance the corrosion protection of mild steel substrates. Results reveal that GO distribution in polymer matrix is the most important parameter influencing coating performance. Viscosity of polymer matrix and GO weight percent (wt%) are exceptional aspects for GO dispersion quality. Among nanocomposites prepared with different methods and GO wt.% (0.05, 0.1, 0.3, and 0.5), coatings prepared via direct addition of 0.1 wt.% GO to polymer matrix with lower viscosity show desirable GO dispersion quality, better adhesion to substrate, outstanding barrier properties and superior corrosion protection under NaCl electrolyte. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.