Oxidized fullerene/sol-gel nanocomposite for corrosion protection of AM60B magnesium alloy

Abstract

Oxidized Fullerene (OF) nanoparticles were added to the hybrid sol-gel coating at different concentrations (0–500 mg L−1). Improvement in the surface morphology of the coatings via incorporation of low and moderate concentrations (25–100 mg L−1) of the OF nanoparticles was shown by the SEM. Also, chemical interaction of the nanoparticles with the coating was confirmed by the FTIR and Raman spectrums. Size and dispersion of the OF nanoparticles in the sol-gel film and corresponding sol solution were determined by the TEM and DLS, respectively. The AFM images showed that the surface roughness of the silica film reduced from 67.5 to 62.8, 56.1, and 40.3 nm by inclusion of 25, 50, and 100 mg L−1 of the nanoparticles, respectively which was ascribed to the interaction of the OF nanoparticles with the coating. Significant enhancement in the corrosion resistance of the neat silica film by incorporation of the OF nanoparticles was confirmed by the EIS experiments in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution which was ascribed to the removal of defects as a result of the chemical interaction. However, the positive effects of the OF nanoparticles on the corrosion resistance was reduced at higher concentrations.