Abstract
The use of coupling agent, 3-aminopropyltiethoxysilane (APTES) in the silanization reaction with metal oxides plays an important role to ensure that additional chemical modification can successfully be achieved. Studies have shown that introducing metal oxides onto graphene oxide sheets can improve the dispersion of sheets in a polymeric matrix, contributing to its excellent anti-corrosion properties. Hence, two methods of APTES attachment has been explored, where the first method utilizes a reflux process to introduce siloxane bonds to the ZnO NP surface; the latter usesuse of ultrasonication to stimulate the functionalization of ZnO NPs. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) were employed to characterize the APTES-Functionalized ZnO and the precipitation on the surface of GO sheets. The effect of GO-ZnO produced by the different types of functionalized ZnO on the corrosion protection and barrier performance of epoxy coating was investigated by electrochemical impedence spectroscopy (EIS). The results revealed that the long duration of reaction time provided by the reflux method managed to increase the number of siloxane bonds on the ZnO surface, allowing more amine groups to be attached onto the GO sheets and thus improve the corrosion resistance of epoxy.
Highlights
Surface modification of metal oxides has become one of the popular methods to prepare surfaces bearing with OH bonds for coupling reactions that have can be applied in diverse areas
The aim of this study is to analyze the influence of various conditions of ZnO NPs functionalization with APTES on the barrier properties of graphene oxide-zinc oxide (GOZnO) in epoxy matrix
The Zn-O-Si bending vibration at 970 cm-1 confirms the successful attachment of APTES on the surface of zinc oxide
Summary
Surface modification of metal oxides has become one of the popular methods to prepare surfaces bearing with OH bonds for coupling reactions that have can be applied in diverse areas. To attach APTES onto metal oxide surfaces, salinization is often used This process involves the hydroxylation of silicon dioxide, followed by the hydrolysis of the APTES ethoxy groups with ethanol as the leaving group to produce an aminopropyl-terminated surface [6]. The conformation, density and structure of the covalently attached layer of APTES is strongly affected by the solvent choice and curing methods. To obtain the right structure and position of the terminal amines to be oriented away from the underlying substrate, selecting the right solvent, reaction time and method during functionalization is crucial [7]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
