Corrosion Protection of Low Carbon Steel by Coating of Graphene Oxide Nanoparticles and Galvanization Process

The controlled formation of graphene oxide coatings in the form of the homogenous structure on stainless steel is demonstrated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization of the material was assessed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The carbon content in low carbon steel is ≤ 0.3% or, to be exact around 0.1%. Problem that commonly arises with low carbon steel is that the zinc coating, known as galvanization, can easily peel off or crack when moved or transported. The objective of this study is finding alternative coatings which are more adherent and can blend with the steel by testing a mixture of galvanized coating compound (type ER-809 Zinc Rich Cold) and graphene oxide (GO). The composition of the mixture is 15% graphene oxide (GO) and 85% galvanized coating compound. The immersion times were 30 seconds, 60 seconds, and 90 seconds. Dry corrosion test was conducted by heating in a furnace at 700 ˚C with variations in holding time for 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 1.5 hours. Weight Loss method was used to find out the Corrosion Penetration Rate (CPR). The lowest CPR result was obtained from 30 minutes heating time. The analysis of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) shows that the corrosion level on low carbon steel is low. Overall, low carbon steel coated with the mixture of galvanized (type ER-809 Zinc Rich Cold) and graphene oxide (GO) has lower CPR compared to low carbon steel without coating or coated with zinc alone.