Researchers develop an epoxy coating with amino-functionalized graphene oxide to enhance corrosion protection.

In a recent study, researchers developed an innovative epoxy coating that effectively prevents corrosion. The coating is based on amino-functionalized graphene oxide, treated with polyethylenei mine (PEI) to create the PEI-GO material. This PEI-GO compound was successfully incorporated into an epoxy matrix and applied to steel through cathodic electrophoretic deposition (C-EPD).

Using methods such as zeta potential measurements, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the team analyzed the material structure and confirmed the improved dispersibility of PEI-GO in the epoxy resin. The corrosion resistance of the PEI-GO/EP coating outperforms conventional epoxy coatings by a hundredfold.

Advances in Corrosion Protection with PEI-GO

To evaluate corrosion resistance, the researchers used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which demonstrated that the impedance modulus of the new coating is two orders of magnitude higher than that of a conventional epoxy coating. The findings from this study could drive the development of more durable and cost-effective corrosion protection coatings, particularly for the automotive and construction industries, where high corrosion resistance is crucial.

This research represents an important advancement in functional coatings and may inspire a new generation of high-performance protective coatings.

Source: Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 21, pages 761–771, 2024.