Corrosion Protection of Copper Using Polyetherimide/Graphene Composite Coatings

Polyetherimide-graphene (PEI/G) composite coatings are synthesized and evaluated as corrosion protective coatings on copper metal substrates. The composite coatings are prepared with various loadings of graphene following in situ polymerization approach, while thermal imidization is utilized to cure the composites on metal substrates. The study aims to examine the influences of the loading of graphene on the corrosion resistance and the long-term corrosion protection properties of the protective coating. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission microscopy (TEM) techniques are utilized to observe the dispersion of graphene sheets in the composites. The study revealed that the corrosion resistance property of PEI can be excelled by the incorporation of graphene, and the load of graphene may have positive influences on the corrosion protection property. The findings of the study are supported by various electrochemical testings including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic measurements. Furthermore, the durability of the coatings is tested by the conducting interface adhesion tests before and after exposing the coated metal substrates to a temperature-controlled 3.5% NaCl solution for 15 days. The study was published in “The Canadian Journal of Chemical Engineering” and included with license number 4738091083179.