Modification of graphene oxide composite coating on 7075 aluminum alloy and protection against <i>Aspergillus niger</i> corrosion

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the corrosion behavior of Silanized Graphene Oxide (KGO)/Waterborne Polyurethane (WPU) composite coatings in Aspergillus niger solution. Design/methodology/approach The graphene oxide (GO) structures before and after modification were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, and the corrosion behavior of the composite coatings under Aspergillus niger environment was analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Findings When KGO was added at 1 wt.%, it was uniformly dispersed in the WPU matrix, and the 1 wt.% KGO/WPU composite coating exhibited the best mold corrosion resistance after 14 days of immersion in Aspergillus niger solution. Originality/value The corrosion mechanism of Aspergillus niger on the composite coating was revealed, which provided important theoretical support for the anti-mold and anti-corrosion technology.