In Situ Polymerization Approach to Graphene-Oxide-Reinforced Silicone Composites for Superior Anticorrosive Coating

Novel graphene-oxide-reinforced silicone composites (GO-SC) are prepared by in situ polymerization of silanes and low concentrations (<0.15 wt%) of silylated GO (S-GO). After modification, the distances of the S-GO nanosheets are successfully increased from 0.72 to 0.87 nm. Compared with GO, the S-GO shows better dispersibility in organic solvents as well as remarkably enhanced decomposition temperature (T-d improved by 100 degrees C). After covalently grafting onto silicone resins via in situ polymerization, the obtained GO-SC exhibits greatly enhanced thermal stability (T-d up to 400 degrees C and T-g improved by 3-5 degrees C), increased storage modulus, loss modulus, and complex viscosity. The morphology, microstructure, interfacial adhesion of the developed GO-SC coatings were carefully investigated. The GO-SC coatings on metal exhibit good transparency (up to 90%), hydrophobicity, and excellent anticorrosion capability. This work provides a new strategy for developing high performance graphene-based silicone composite materials.