ENHANCING THE ANTI-CORROSION AND REINFORCING PROPERTIES OF EPOXY COATINGS USING MODIFIED GRAPHENE OXIDE

Abstract

The present study deals with the synthesis and anticorrosion behavior of new modified graphene oxide. Superior corrosion resistance property was exhibited by graphene oxide and modified graphene oxide on mild steel and copper substrates. Along with the corrosion resistance behavior, the reinforcing nature of epoxy coating also improved. Graphene oxide was synthesized by Hummer’s method. Graphene oxide (GO) modified with ethanol extract of Kedrostis foetidissima (KF) plant leaves. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) analysis was selected to identify the chemical constituents present in the plant. GO, KF, and modified GO (GO-KF) were characterized by Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Corrosion protection behavior of epoxy coating on mild steel and copper with GO and modified Graphene Oxide were studied using, Salt spray test, Peel test, and Contact angle measurements. Results revealed that the modified GO sheets act as a good reinforcing agent for epoxy coating on mild steel and copper substrate in a 3.5% sodium chloride (NaCl) environment.