Graphene Nanoplatelets Based Protective and Functionalizing Coating for Stainless Steel.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Corrosion Engineering
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Stainless steel (AISI 304) is widely used but susceptible to corrosion.
• Protecting stainless steel is crucial for industrial applications.
• Graphene-based materials show potential for surface protection.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate graphene oxide (GO) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) as corrosion inhibitors for AISI 304 stainless steel.
• To assess the long-term effectiveness of GO and GNP coatings.
• To compare the corrosion inhibition performance of GO versus GNPs.

Main Methods:

• Spin coating technique used to apply GO and GNP coatings on stainless steel substrates.
• Surface morphology analyzed using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
• Corrosion inhibition evaluated via open circuit potential and potentiodynamic polarization in NaCl solution, before and after one month of immersion.

Main Results:

• Homogeneous and complete surface coverage achieved with both GO and GNP coatings.
• Both GO and GNP coatings significantly improved corrosion resistance by increasing corrosion and pitting potentials and decreasing passive current density.
• Coating effectiveness remained stable after one month of immersion.
• GNP coatings demonstrated slightly superior long-term corrosion inhibition compared to GO coatings.

Conclusions:

• Graphene oxide and graphene nanoplatelets are effective corrosion inhibitors for AISI 304 stainless steel.
• These graphene-based coatings enhance the lifespan of stainless steel substrates.
• Graphene nanoplatelets offer a promising, durable solution for stainless steel corrosion protection.