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 © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]