Study of Graphene Epoxy/Nanoplatelets Thin Films Subjected to Aging in Corrosive Environments

Abstract

The corrosion of metallic devices and degradation of plastic materials are a cause of great concern for companies and countries’ economies; it is necessary to contrast these phenomena by studying innovative methodologies and techniques. A simple solution lies in the realization of materials that can resist corrosive environments and be used as coatings to prevent, or at least delay, deterioration. The purpose of this work was to study the behavior of an epoxy resin, in thin film form, exposed to corrosive chemicals. In particular, the samples were subjected to aging of 31 days in dilute sulfuric acid (H2SO4) and in an aqueous solution of potassium chloride (KCl). Subsequently, thin films of Epoxy/graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) composite material have been subjected to the same conditions: it was investigated how these samples respond to the corrosive environment. We found that the addition of carbonaceous nanofillers prolongs in time the ability of the material to resist the attack of chemical agents.