Anticorrosive Carbon-Based Polymer and Epoxy Nanocomposite Coatings

Abstract

Carbon is used as a reinforcing phase in carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composites employed in aeronautical and other technological applications. Degradation of composite occurs under polarization in aqueous media. Epoxy-based coatings have gained significant research interest owing to sufficient hydrophobicity, conductivity, water transport behaviour, and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the anti-corrosive polymer coatings with low nanotube content have shown enhanced surface hydrophobicity and anti-rusting properties in addition to strength, conductivity, and thermal resistance. Also, polymer base coatings assessing the strength of bonding of the coating to the substrate, and salt spray test are common. This book chapter highlights the potential corrosion challenges in multi-material combinations containing carbon-fiber reinforced polymers, the surface chemistry of carbon, its plausible effects on the electrochemical activity of carbon, and consequently the degradation processes on carbon-fiber reinforced polymers.