Enhancing anticorrosive performance of epoxy-based coatings using magnetite/graphene hybrids modified with ionic liquids

Hybrid materials based on magnetite (Fe3O4) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were prepared by the in situ co-precipitation synthesis of Fe3O4 in the presence of GNP aqueous dispersion. Alkyl-phosphonium–based ionic liquids bearing bromide (IL102) and diethyl phosphate (IL169) as the counter-anions were used for the first time to improve the dispersion of GNP. The successful preparation of the hybrids and the final incorporation of the ILs in the hybrids were confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The exfoliation of the GNP sheets and the incorporation of Fe3O4 particles on the GNP surface were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The effect of different hybrids on the corrosion resistance of the epoxy coatings was evaluated in saline medium using by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Hybrids prepared by the in situ synthesis of magnetite (Mag@GNP) promoted better corrosion resistance than pure magnetite or those hybrids introduced into the epoxy coatings by physical blends, due to better dispersion of the former fillers into the epoxy matrix. The best anti-corrosion response was achieved using 5 % of Mag@GNP 102 due to the better filler dispersion and higher amount of incorporated ionic liquid in the system, which can act as inhibition agent for the corrosion process.