Comparing the corrosion protection performance of graphene nanosheets and graphene quantum dots as nanofiller in epoxy coatings

Abstract

Purpose In this research, the effect of graphene nanosheets and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as carbon-based nanofillers on corrosion protection performance of epoxy coatings is considered. Design/methodology/approach Graphene nanosheets are synthesized via chemical vapor deposition method, and GQDs are synthesized by a simple and gram scale procedure from carbon black. The prepared nanofillers are characterized by X-ray diffraction technique, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Further, solvent-based epoxy coatings containing 0.1 Wt.% graphene nanosheets and GQDs are prepared, and the corrosion resistance of nanocomposite coatings is considered by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Findings The results indicate that both epoxy/graphene nanosheets and epoxy/GQDs samples have significantly higher corrosion resistance than pure epoxy coating. Meanwhile, GQDs can more effectively enhance the corrosion protection performance of epoxy coatings compared to graphene sheets, which can be attributed to the presence of functional groups on GQDs and improving the dispersion quality in polymer matrice. Originality/value In this research, for the first time, the graphene quantum dots (GQDs) prepared by a “top-down” method from carbon black are used as nanofiller in epoxy coatings, and the potential application of graphene nanosheets and GQDs as anti-corrosion nanofiller in epoxy coatings is investigated.

Graphene quantum dots: preparations, properties, functionalizations and applications

“…Many novel applications of GQDs are still being explored and developed, as the nanomaterials are still in the early stages of research. For example, there are reports on the application of GQDs in corrosion resistance [571][572][573][574] because GQDs tend to form complexes with other substances. Jiang et al [575] prepared a composite coating of nitrogen-doped GQDS and polymethyltrimethoxysilane (PMTMS) on the surface of magnesium alloy.…”

The tribological behaviors of core‐shell n‐octadecane@TiO2/epoxy composites

“…Hitherto, reinforcing fibers have been employed to obtain anti‐wear epoxy composites, such as carbon fiber [ 8 ] , aramid fiber [ 9 ] , glass fiber [ 10 ] , and natural fiber [ 11 ] . Owing to high specific surface area and surface activity, nanomaterial also has been widely applied in epoxy composites, such as nanotubes [ 12 ] , nanoparticles [ 13,14 ] , nano layered material [ 15,16 ] , and quantum dots [ 17 ] .…”