Polymerization of Graphite and Carbon Compounds by Aldol Condensation as Anti-Corrosion Coating

In this article, a simple method was applied to polymerize carbon base compounds such as graphite, graphite oxide, carbon active, and cellulose. The polymerization was based on self-aldol condensation of acetone in acid media. Acid-modified carbon compounds act as a substrate to initiate the condensation reaction. This reaction is influenced by the time of condensation, temperature, and acetone:acid ratio. Their equal ratio causes crystallization of carbon compounds. The polymer is obtained by increasing the ratio. Photographs and results obtained from Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and thermal analysis shows the differences that have appeared due to polymerization. The intensity of 2967 cm-1 peak in FT-IR spectra that is attributed to C-H bonds with sp3 hybridization significantly increased after the polymerization of graphite and carbon active. The thermal analysis shows the gradual weight loss for polymers as the polymer loses the monomer one by one. These polymers, similar to bitumen, are sticky and non-conductive as can be seen in the Tafel diagram. The corrosion resistance of metal coated with graphite polymer using weightless measurements, showed that these polymers could be used as an anti-corrosion coating.