Exploring few-layer graphene and graphene oxide as fillers to enhance the oxygen-atom corrosion resistance of composites

Few-layer graphene (FLG) and graphene oxide (GO) were explored to enhance the oxygen-atom corrosion resistance of composites. FLG flakes of two different average lateral sizes (large: ∼1.3 μm(2) and small: ∼0.23 μm(2)) were prepared by a centrifugation-based size selection route. After exposure to oxygen atoms, although all fillers could enhance the oxygen-atom corrosion resistance of the composites, we found a much greater enhancement using large FLG, i.e. adding 1 wt% large FLG can achieve a 42% decrease in the composites' mass loss. Bonding and barrier effects of the flaked fillers are responsible for the enhanced resistance. These preliminary yet intriguing results pave a novel way for resisting oxygen-atom corrosion.