According to a paper published in the September issue of Carbon, researchers from Monash University and Rice University in the U.S. have found a breakthrough in the development of anti-corrosion coatings using extremely thin graphene films.
Graphene is a microscopically thin layer of carbon atoms. It is already used in such things as smartphone screens, and is attracting research attention for its possibilities as a means of increasing metal’s resistance to corrosion.
The coating has been shown to make copper nearly 100 times more resistant to corrosion, creating tremendous potential for metal protection even in harsh environments.
The coating has been shown to make copper nearly 100 times more resistant to corrosion, creating tremendous potential for metal protection even in harsh environments.
“We have obtained one of the best improvements that have been reported so far,” said study co-author, Dr. Mainak Majumder. “At this point we are almost 100 times better than untreated copper. Other people are maybe five or six times better, so it’s a pretty big jump.”
The polymer coatings that are often used on metals can be scratched, compromising their protective ability, but the invisible layer of graphene – although it changes neither the feel nor the appearance of the metal – is much harder to damage.
“I call it a magic material,” said Dr. Parama Banerjee, who performed most of the experiments for this study. “In nations like Australia, where we are surrounded by ocean, it is particularly significant that such an atomically thin coating can provide protection in that environment.”
The graphene was applied to copper at temperatures between 800 and 900 degrees, using a technique known as chemical vapour deposition, and tested it in saline water.
This could open up possibilities anywhere metal is at risk of corrosion. Such a dramatic extension of metal’s useful life could mean tremendous cost savings for many industries.
This could open up possibilities anywhere metal is at risk of corrosion. Such a dramatic extension of metal’s useful life could mean tremendous cost savings for many industries.
The process is still in the laboratory-testing stage, but Dr Majumder said the group was not only looking at different metals, but also investigating ways of applying the coating at lower temperatures, which would simplify production and enhance market potential.