CeO2/SWCNT nanocomposite coating: A novel approach for corrosion application

Abstract

The coatings were prepared by blending different concentrations of SWCNTs and CeO2 particles with an epoxy resin by hydrothermal method, which was then applied to the substrate through the doctor blade technique. The mixtures were transferred into a 1‐L capacity autoclave with a teflon‐lined flange type and subjected to hydrothermal treatment at 100°C for 3 h. The surface coatings were applied using a doctor blade. Subsequently, the coated materials were placed in an oven and dried for 12 h at 50°C under vacuum conditions. The samples' structural analysis was examined through x‐ray diffraction (XRD). XRD analysis verified the CeO2/SWCNT composite coating, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to assess the presence of functional groups. Thermodynamic properties and thermal stability of composite coatings that were modified with SWCNTs and CeO2 particles were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The impact of the CeO2/SWCNT composite on the anticorrosion capabilities of the epoxy coating was examined through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Nyquist curve, and Tafel slope characterization. Corrosion tests were conducted on the CeO2/SWCNT composite coatings in a 3.5 wt% sodium chloride (NaCl) solution at 25°C to improve corrosion resistance. The concentration of 0.4 wt% CeO2 was found to be optimal for achieving effective corrosion resistance. The composite coating CNT0.6‐C0.4 exhibited significantly higher Ecorr (−426 V) and lower Icorr (2.96 × 10−6 A cm−2) values compared to samples from the CNT0, CNT0.2, and CNT0.6 groups. The paper presents a viable solution with CeO2/SWCNT composite coating for the engineering application of corrosive‐inhibiting coatings.