Effects of g-C3N4 on the corrosion protection performance of polyvinyl butyral coatings

Abstract

Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) can function as nanofillers in anti-corrosion coatings due to its two-dimensional structure. Here, we investigate the corrosion protection performance of g-C3N4 for polyvinyl butyral (PVB) coatings. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) of the calcinated g-C3N4 displays a sheet-like nanostructure with a single or few layers. By subjecting PVB coatings containing g-C3N4 to electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and salt spray tests, we were able to investigate their anti-corrosion performance thoroughly. Results of EIS shows that the values of coating resistance increased significantly for all PVB coatings enriched with g-C3N4 nanosheets. The PVB coating containing 10 wt% g-C3N4 nanosheets survived after a 300 h salt spray test. UV and Xenon lamp aging tests provide additional information and evidence to prove their potential in practical application.