Date Thesis Awarded
5-2017
Access Type
Honors Thesis -- Access Restricted On-Campus Only
Degree Name
Bachelors of Science (BS)
Department
Chemistry
Advisor
David Kranbuehl
Committee Members
Hannes Schniepp
Christopher Abelt
Dana Lashley
Abstract
Epoxy coating paint is commonly used in metal coatings in aircraft and marine constructions due to its excellent mechanical properties and chemical resistance. However, being in a harsh environment, they are susceptible to degradation by water which significantly reduces the lifetime of the coatings. To better protect the material from corrosion, stress, degradation and absorption of water, nanofillers can be incorporated to improve the barrier properties. This paper explores the effect of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) as a nanofiller and the effect of different functionalization and surface modification of graphene oxide on reducing the water vapor permeability and water absorption of the epoxy film. There seemed to be no detectable effect of different weight loadings of the GO. A better dispersion by sonication method seemed to have greater effect than having the bigger aspect ratio of the nanoparticles. The effect of functionalization of GO with diethylene-triamine and butyl-amine showed the greatest effect on reducing the water vapor transmission compared to the reduced GO.
Recommended Citation
Kim, Sang H., "Improving Water Barrier Properties of Epoxy Coatings with Addition of Graphene Oxide" (2017). Undergraduate Honors Theses. William & Mary. Paper 1079.
https://scholarworks.wm.edu/honorstheses/1079
