Deciphering the effect of sea water on corrosion behavior of epoxy/ graphite-flakes composite coated LDX 2101 stainless steel

In the present investigation, the electrochemical behaviour of lean duplex stainless steel (LDX 2101 SS) and epoxy (EP) coated with and without containing graphite flakes in a marine or seawater environment (3.5 wt% NaCl) was studied. The epoxy/graphite flakes (EGF) coating was prepared using a spin coater, and then the morphological and physical properties of the coating were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and water contact angle (WCA). The performance of EP and EGF composites as protective coatings against corrosion of LDX 2101 was analysed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization techniques. The final result shows that EGF composite has excellent corrosion protective ability compared to bare and epoxy-coated steel.