Investigation of graphene effect on the anti-corrosion behaviour of polyurethane coatings in sea-water

Abstract

Purpose

Abundant oil and gas reservoirs in the deep-water are the valuable non-renewable energy sources. However, sea-water could enhance the corrosion of marine equipment such as submarine pipe trees. Various coatings, for example, polyurethane (PU) coatings are sprayed on the steel surfaces to enhance the anti-corrosion performance. Thus, to improve the anti-corrosion behavior of PU coatings in sea-water is imperative.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the corrosion behaviors of 4130 carbon steel with and without PU coatings were discussed by electrochemical mean in sea-water. And the graphene additive in different concentrations (0.1, 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 per cent) were also studied. A series of characterized methods were introduced to identify the anti-corrosion performances of 4130 carbon steel with and without coatings, respectively.

Findings

The results showed that the anti-corrosion property of 4130 carbon steel can enhance obviously with the PU coatings. The graphene additive can further improve the anti-corrosion behaviour of PU coatings and in the concentration of 0.6 per cent the PU/graphene coatings worked best.

Originality/value

This is beneficial for enhancing the service life of marine equipment in an eco-friendly method.

Citation

Tan, H., Wang, D. and Guo, Y. (2019), "Investigation of graphene effect on the anti-corrosion behaviour of polyurethane coatings in sea-water", Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, Vol. 66 No. 6, pp. 853-860. https://doi.org/10.1108/ACMM-01-2019-2054