Study on Some Mechanical and Electrical Aspects of Erosion of Epoxy Coating Applied on 316L Stainless Steel

Abstract

Pure epoxy coatings and epoxy-graphene composite coatings are widely recognized for their protective properties, particularly when applied to stainless steel surfaces. This study investigates key parameters of these coatings applied to SS316L stainless steel by using the dip coating method. The research aims to enhance the understanding of coating characteristics such as coating thickness, surface roughness, capacitance, insulation resistance, and impedance were measured to evaluate the performance of both pure epoxy and epoxy-graphene composite coatings. Stainless steel SS316L is extensively used in various industries due to its excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. However, to further enhance its durability and performance, protective coatings are often applied. Epoxy coatings are known for their good adhesion, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength. Incorporating graphene into epoxy coatings can potentially enhance their electrical conductivity, as well as their barrier properties. The study highlights the erosion of coating and the variation of parameters such as coating thickness, surface roughness, capacitance, insulation resistance, and impedance. The inclusion of graphene in epoxy coatings demonstrated notable variation of capacitance and insulation resistance. Additionally, impedance measurements indicated better electrical stability for graphene-enhanced coatings. The composite coatings showed increased coating thickness and reduced surface roughness, which contributed to variation in various electrical parameters. Additionally, the capacitance and insulation resistance values of the epoxy-graphene coatings were significantly improved, indicating enhanced electrical insulation. Impedance measurements further confirmed the superior barrier properties of the composite coatings.