Deformation-driven
metallurgy was implemented to prepare graphene
nanoplatelet (GNP)-reinforced aluminum matrix composites with a time-dependent
self-enhancement in corrosion resistance. Severe plastic deformation
contributed to the sufficient brokenness, thinning, enfolding, and
redispersion of GNPs, as well as grain refinement. The homogeneously
dispersed GNPs showed a great corrosion inhibition mechanism in a
chloride-containing environment, ascribed to the formation of a carbon-doped
protective film via diffusion and chemical bonding between GNPs and
the surface oxide film. Electrochemical and intergranular corrosion
tests were conducted to show the enhancement of long-term corrosion
resistance. First-principles calculations were performed to explore
the high corrosion resistance of the carbon-doped protective film.
The energy barriers of vacancy formation, Cl ingress, and charge transfer
were synchronously enhanced with the addition of GNPs into aluminum
matrix composites as long-term corrosion inhibitors.