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Epoxy-carbon composite coatings for corrosion and fouling resistance
A review highlights the transformative impact of carbon-based nanomaterials on epoxy systems, enabling multifunctional, eco-friendly coatings with integrated corrosion and antifouling resistance.
Corrosion and biofouling remain significant challenges in industrial and marine applications, causing substantial economic losses and environmental concerns. While traditional epoxy coatings are valued for their adhesion and chemical resistance, they often suffer from brittleness, UV sensitivity, and limited durability.
Recent advancements in epoxy-carbon composites, incorporating nanomaterials like graphene, graphene oxide, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), carbon black, and carbon quantum dots (CDs), have revolutionised protective coatings. These carbon nanofillers enhance mechanical strength, impermeability, and multifunctionality. The coatings deliver dual resistance to corrosion and fouling by generating reactive oxygen species, inhibiting biofilm formation, and arresting oxidative stress.
Reading tip: Epoxy resins
Due to their outstanding properties, epoxy resins are more widely used in the coating industry than almost any other class of binder. In their new reference book “”Epoxy Resins“”, the authors Dornbusch, Christ and Rasing explain the basics of the chemistry of the epoxy group and use specific formulations to explain the use of epoxy and phenoxy resins in industrial coatings – including corrosion protection, floor coatings, powder coatings and internal can coatings.
Toward intelligent and sustainable protective systems
This review explores the diffusion tortuosity and crack arrest mechanisms enabled by carbon nanostructures, while addressing challenges such as nanoparticle dispersion, cost efficiency, and scalability. It emphasises the shift toward intelligent, self-healing, and eco-friendly epoxy systems, reducing reliance on toxic biocides.
Epoxy-carbon composites demonstrate significant potential for delivering durable protection across diverse industrial applications, paving the way for next-generation sustainable coatings.
Source: Anbalagan, G. et al., Epoxy-carbon composite coatings for integrated corrosion and fouling resistance: Advancing protective material design. Progress in Organic Coatings, 109970 (2026).
