Novel multifunctional epoxy based graphitic carbon nitride/silanized TiO₂ nanocomposite as protective coatings for steel surface against corrosion and flame in the shipping industry

Abstract

The chemical compound 3-(N-ethylamino)isobutyl)trimethoxysilane (EAMS) modified titanium dioxide (TiO₂), producing EAMS-TiO₂, which was encased in graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) and integrated into epoxy resin (EP). The protective properties of mild steel coated with this nanocomposite in a marine environment were assessed using electrochemical techniques. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and Cone calorimetry tests demonstrated that GCN/EAMS-TiO₂ significantly enhanced the flame retardancy of the epoxy coating, reducing peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) values by 88% and 70%, respectively, compared to pure EP. Salt spray tests indicated reduced water absorption and improved corrosion resistance. The optimal concentration of 0.6 wt% GCN-EAMS/TiO₂ yielded the highest resistance, with the nanocomposite achieving a coating resistance of 7.50×10¹⁰ Ω·cm² after 28 d in seawater. The surface resistance of EP-GCN/EAMS-TiO₂ was over 99.9 times higher than pure EP after one hour in seawater. SECM analysis showed the lowest ferrous ion dissipation (1.0 nA) for EP-GCN/EAMS-TiO₂ coated steel. FE-SEM and EDX analyses revealed improved breakdown products and a durable inert nanolayered covering. The nanocomposite exhibited excellent water resistance (water contact angle of 167°) and strong mechanical properties, with adhesive strength increasing to 18.3 MPa after 28 d in seawater. EP-GCN/EAMS-TiO₂ shows potential as a coating material for the shipping industry.

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