In-situ growth of ceria nanoparticles on graphene oxide nanoplatelets to be used as a multifunctional (UV shield/radical scavenger/anticorrosive) hybrid compound for exterior coatings

Abstract

This paper introduces a surface treatment approach to fabricate a hybrid nano-structured additive for simultaneous promotion of weathering and corrosion resistance of epoxy coatings. In this approach, the graphene oxide platelets were synthesized and further modified with cerium salt via an In-situ process to grow ceria nanoparticles on graphene oxide nanosheets. The fabricated hybrid compound was comprehensively characterized with XPS, FE-SEM, HR-TEM, Raman, XRD, UV–vis spectroscopy techniques. Finally, the ceria-modified nanosheets were incorporated into epoxy coating and then exposed to accelerated weathering and corrosive conditions. According to the all test results, the highest level of corrosion and weathering protection was achieved for the epoxy coating loaded with modified graphene oxide, thanks to its acting as a multifunctional barrier against UV/humidity/free radicals.