Synthesis and properties of iron oxide coated carbon nanotubes hybrid materials and their use in epoxy coatings

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were acidified with nitration mixture, and the Fe2O3-MWCNTs (iron oxide coated multi-walled carbon nanotubes) hybrid material via sol-gel method then verified the results through scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analysis. We modified the hybrid material with silane coupling agent (KH560), Fe2O3-MWCNTs/epoxy, MWCNTs/epoxy composites coating, and the pure epoxy coatings were respectively prepared. The properties of the composite coatings were tested through the electrochemical workstation (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy), shock experiments, and thermal gravimetric analysis. Finally, we used scanning electron microscope to observe the surface conditions of the coatings. The results show that Fe2O3-MWCNTs have good dispersion in the epoxy resin, and the Fe2O3-MWCNTs/epoxy composite coatings have enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Copyright (c) 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.