# Preparation and Properties of Environmentally Friendly Carboxyl Graphene Oxide/Silicone Coatings

## TL;DR

This study develops an eco-friendly coating using carboxyl graphene oxide to protect marine equipment from corrosion and bacterial damage.

## Contribution

The novel composite coating with carboxylated graphene oxide offers enhanced corrosion resistance and bacterial inhibition in marine environments.

## Key findings

- Coating with 0.15% CGO reduced corrosion current density by two orders of magnitude compared to pure resin.
- The coating achieved 97% inhibition of sulfate-reducing bacteria through physical and electrostatic mechanisms.
- Long-term immersion tests revealed three corrosion degradation phases with minimal structural failure over 60 days.

## Abstract

To address the protective demands of marine engineering equipment in complex corrosive environments, this study proposes an environmentally friendly composite coating based on carboxylated graphene oxide (CGO)-modified water-based epoxy organosilicon resin. By incorporating varying mass fractions (0.05–0.25%) of CGO into the resin matrix via mechanical blending, the microstructure, corrosion resistance, and long-term corrosion kinetics of the coatings were systematically investigated. The results demonstrate that the coating with 0.15 wt.% CGO (designated as KCG15) exhibited optimal comprehensive performance: its corrosion current density (Icorr = 4.37 × 10−8 A/cm2) was two orders of magnitude lower than that of the pure resin coating, while its low-frequency impedance modulus (∣Z∣0.1Hz = 4.99 × 106 Ω⋅cm2) is significantly enhanced, accompanied by improved surface compactness. The coating achieved a 97% inhibition rate against sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) through synergistic physical disruption and electrostatic repulsion mechanisms. Long-term corrosion kinetics analysis via 60-day seawater immersion identified three degradation phases—permeation (0–1 day), blockage (1–4 days), and failure (7–60 days)—with structural evolution from microcrack networks to foam-like blistering ultimately reducing by 97.8%. Furthermore, a 180-day atmospheric exposure test confirms the superior weatherability and adhesion of the KCG15 coating, with only minor discoloration observed due to its hydrophobic surface. This work provides theoretical and technical foundations for developing marine anti-corrosion coatings that synergize environmental sustainability with long-term protective performance.