Graphene-based hydrophobic varnish for marine applications

Resumen

Nowadays, one of the most active research fields is graphene-based nanocomposites because it sensitively improves the properties of diverse polymers. Two of the most significant problems in naval and offshore sectors are corrosion and adherence of marine life that affect the systems performance, making them need costly labours of maintenance. Graphene is capable of adopting superhydrophobic behavior and it has antibacterial properties, allowing the design of nanotech-based coatings with better performance in marine environments. In this work, several steel samples coated with a graphene doped varnish have been investigated in terms of hydrophobicity and corrosion resistance, using graphene doping ratios ranged from 0.1% to 25% (w/w). The increase in the contact angle with the increment of the graphene doping ratio is observed, reaching a maximum of 143.6º which is close to superhydrophobicity (θ>150º). The graphene doped samples also showed a better corrosion resistance in the saline chamber test. The most advanced available naval paints are based on fluoropolymers with contact angles about 95º. Therefore, graphene-based marine coatings should mean a substantial improvement in terms of hydrophobicity, resistance to marine environments and biocide free fouling control.