Effect of Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles Added in Epoxy for Anticorrosion Coatings

Abstract

Corrosion is a natural phenomenon that affects many sectors that use metallic materials in their industrial plants, including the oil industry. In this sector, corrosion phenomena occur frequently in metal pipes, generating economic losses, environmental damage, and safety risks in general. The aim of this study is to evaluate the addition of laboratory-synthesized reduced graphene oxide (rGO) to an epoxy resin on the corrosion resistance of coatings for use in the oil sector. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses are carried out on the synthesized nanoparticles and on the nanocomposite coatings, which are prepared with 0.1–0.5 wt% of rGO. SEM analysis shows that there is a decrease in the number of defects on the surface of the samples as the concentration of rGO increases up to 0.3 wt%. The corrosion resistance of the coatings is evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which shows that the addition of rGO to the epoxy matrix improves corrosion protection compared to the pure coating, as it increases the diffusive path of the corrosive agents. The nanocomposite coating with 0.3 wt% rGO shows better anti-corrosion performance. This material can be applied both as an external and internal anti-corrosion coating in any industrial sector, as well as in the oil and gas industry.