Development of a Modified Epoxy Coating with a Carbon Nanocarrier and Composite Framework for Protecting against Pitting Corrosion in Aerospace Structures

Faghani, Gholamreza

Development of a Modified Epoxy Coating with a Carbon Nanocarrier and Composite Framework for Protecting against Pitting Corrosion in Aerospace Structures

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Gholamreza Faghani

Assistant professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Khatam-Ol-Anbia (PBU) University, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

ntroduction:Pitting corrosion is one of the most destructive forms of localized metal degradation and poses a significant threat to aerospace structures exposed to chloride-containing environments. Conventional epoxy coatings provide limited protection because of their inherent permeability and the absence of active corrosion-inhibition mechanisms. This study aimed to develop a hybrid nanocomposite-reinforced epoxy coating based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) to enhance pitting corrosion resistance and improve self-healing performance
Methods:Epoxy nanocomposite coatings containing 0.5 wt.% of rGO, ZIF-8, and hybrid rGO–ZIF-8 were fabricated and applied onto steel substrates. Structural and microstructural characterization was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). Corrosion protection was evaluated under both intact and scratched conditions using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), a 45-day salt spray test, cathodic disbondment, and pull-off adhesion testing
Findings:The rGO–ZIF-8/EPC coating exhibited the highest electrochemical resistance, the lowest electrolyte permeability, and the greatest protective stability among all coatings. Under scratched conditions, EIS measurements showed a sustained increase in total impedance, indicating effective active corrosion protection. Salt spray testing demonstrated that corrosion after 45 days remained largely confined to the scratched region. FE-SEM observations confirmed the formation of a more homogeneous microstructure, while pull-off testing revealed significantly improved coating adhesion.
Conclusion:The superior performance of the rGO–ZIF-8 reinforced epoxy coating is attributed to the synergistic combination of the physical barrier effect of rGO nanosheets and the controlled release of Zn²⁺ ions and imidazolate ligands from ZIF-8. This hybrid nanocomposite provides a stable, active, and self-healing protective system, making it a promising candidate for mitigating pitting corrosion in aerospace structures and other chloride-rich environments.

Keywords

Pitting corrosion

Epoxy coating

Reduced graphene oxide

Metal&‌‌‌ndash

organic framework

Self-healing

20.1001.1.28211553.1404.4.2.6.6

Subjects

Advanced materials (nano materials, absorbents, adhesives, lubricants, fire retardants, etc.)

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