Enhanced anti-corrosion and morphological properties of nano-Ti polymer coatings with graphene additives

Corrosion is a widespread issue affecting many aspects of daily life. To further improve the anti-corrosion performance of nano-Ti polymer coatings from our previous research, graphene slurry is filled to modify nano-Ti epoxy resin coatings. The structure, anti-permeability, anti-corrosion, and anti-wear properties of nano-Ti polymer functional coatings with different graphene slurry were systemically investigated by field emission scanning microscopy (FE-SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), immersion test, electrochemical measurements, and wear test. The FE-SEM results showed that graphene can be well dispersed in nano-Ti polymer coating when the graphene content is 0.5 wt%. Furthermore, the results showed that the addition of graphene can improve the anti-permeability, anti-corrosion, and anti-wear properties of nano-Ti polymer coatings. The water uptake of nano-Ti polymer/graphene functional coatings was reduced from 2.4 to 0.05%. The friction coefficient of the coatings also decreased from 0.53 to 0.22 due to the good dispersion of graphene slurry. The corrosion resistance of the functional coatings decreased with increasing graphene slurry. Nano-Ti polymer/graphene functional coatings showed optimal comprehensive performance and anti-corrosion performance as the graphene content was 0.5 wt%; the appropriate amount of graphene slurry can effectively improve the anti-corrosion performance of the nano-Ti polymer coating.