Protective graphene-based coatings for Zamak

Synopsis

Numerous states to implement regulations aimed at preserving human and environmental health. In response, industries likemetallurgy have gradually transitioned from traditional, hazardous technologies to safer alternatives, such as using polymericcoatings to protect metals from corrosion. This study focuses on evaluating the protective properties of non-functionalizedgraphene oxide-based coating (GC) and functionalized graphene oxide-based coating (FGC) on the zamak samples. First, thepowders were analyzed from structural, morphological, and spectroscopic perspectives. The formation of amino-silica groupson the graphene oxide sheets was confirmed through SEM-EDS, XRD, and FTIR analyses, validating the success of thefunctionalization process. Granulometric analysis demonstrated a good dispersion of fillers in the mixtures. Cross’s theoreticalmodel was applied to the rheological experiments to find the optimum way of coating application on metallic substrates. Thecorrosion resistance of the coatings was evaluated using OCP, LSV, PS, EIS, and salt spray experiments. The resultsrevealed that the functionalized graphene oxide coating provided superior corrosion protection compared to other coatings onZamak samples. AFM topographic images, along with roughness measurements, indicated a significantly less corrodedsurface when using the functionalized graphene oxide coating. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy confirmed the protectiveeffectiveness of the FGC coating against corrosion