Triethanolamine
(TEA)/graphene oxide (GO) composite coatings were
prepared by electrodeposition on magnesium alloy AZ91. The morphology,
structure, and corrosion behaviors of the composite coatings for Mg
alloy in the 3.5 wt % NaCl solution were studied by scanning electron
microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical tests, immersion experiments,
and quantum chemical calculation. The results indicated that the TEA/GO
composite coatings were distributed evenly on the Mg alloy substrate.
The electrochemical tests showed that the composite coating had lower
corrosion current density and higher film resistance. The corrosion
process of the composite coatings for Mg alloy in the 3.5 wt % NaCl
solution could be separated into three processes, and the physical
models were set up. The quantum chemical calculation indicated that
TEA and GO could be adsorbed on the Mg alloy surface to exhibit a
good barrier between the substrate and corrosive medium to prevent
the aggressive ions from the substrate surface.