Hybrid siloxane-epoxy coating reinforced by worm-like graphene oxide with improved mechanical properties and corrosion resistance

Graphene-based hybrid coatings have received considerable research interest in realizing the anti-corrosion application due to their high strength and impermeability. Graphene morphology is an important factor in determining the behaviors of composites. However, there have been few reports on the application of GO nanoscrolls in anti-corrosion coatings. Here, we obtained a hybrid siloxane-epoxy (SE) coating reinforced with worm-like graphene oxide (FGO) nanoscrolls for the protection of AA2024 alloy. GO sheets were firstly functionalized with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) through a sol–gel method and incorporated into the SE resin via a wet transfer method. Chemical, structure and morphological analyses revealed that FGO sheets with active -Si-OH groups, increased surface wrinkles and decreased layers were obtained. During the transfer process, Si-OH guided the transformation of FGO into the tubular structure. Ultrasonication provided the required activation for scrolling and the vacuum cavity offered the deformation space. FGO sheets resulted in better dispersion and interfacial interaction. The positive effect of the characteristic structure on the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of the coating outweighed the negative effect of the laminated stacking GO. SE/FGO coatings were characterized by high cross-linking density, toughness, flexibility, easy-produced and eco-friendly. This work provides a new strategy for developing high-performance graphene-based nano coatings.