Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.17794/rgn.2025.4.6
INVESTIGATION OF CORROSION RESISTANCE OF EPOXY COATINGS REINFORCED WITH GRAPHENE OXIDE AND ALUMINIUM NANOPARTICLE
Marin Kurtela
orcid.org/0000-0003-3016-5300
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Street Ivan Lučić 5, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Marina Samardžija
orcid.org/0000-0001-9053-0627
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Perottijeva 6, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
*
Maro Bujak
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Street Ivan Lučić 5, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Stojanović
orcid.org/0000-0003-1273-8590
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Street Ivan Lučić 5, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Krunoslav Bojanić
orcid.org/0000-0002-4182-4685
; Institute Ruđer Bošković, Bijenička c. 54, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Gabrijela Ljubek
orcid.org/0000-0001-5842-5915
; University of Zagreb Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, Perottijeva 6, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Graphene oxide (GO) is a two-dimensional carbon nanomaterial known for its exceptional mechanical strength and tunable, functional surface, making it a promising material for protective barriers against harmful external influences. For this purpose, it is used as a filler in epoxy coatings to increase the tortuous diffusion path of the corrosive medium within the coating. Additionally, the incorporation of aluminum nanoparticles (Al NP) onto the GO surface can improve the dispersion of GO sheets, reduce their aggregation, and maintain the passive oxidation film formed by the degradation of Al NP. In this study, epoxy coatings containing Al NP–GO powder with different weight fractions of GO material were prepared. The physical, anticorrosive, and antibacterial properties of unmodified and modified coatings were evaluated. On the macroscopic electrochemical micro-level, the EP+MAX sample provided stable corrosion protection for 60 days, whereas the resistance of other samples decreased. Measurements performed on micro-surfaces (500 μm) showed an increase in impedance per unit area with the addition of Al NPs-GO powder. The best corrosion resistance was demonstrated by the EP+MIN and EP+MAX samples. Furthermore, using the ic-dc microscopic SECM method, it was determined that Fe²⁺ dissolution at the scratch area was reduced in the modified samples. Additionally, it was found that the epoxy coating acquires new antibacterial properties, thus gaining dual functionality.
Keywords
aluminium nanoparticles; antibacterial activity; corrosion protection; epoxy coating; graphene oxide
Hrčak ID:
334901
URI
Publication date:
27.8.2025.
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