Recently, researchers from Monash University in Australia and Rice University in the United States cooperated to use the invisible graphene film as the coating, which has enhanced the corrosion resistance of copper nearly a hundred times, providing great potential for metal flood control in harsh environments. The researchers pointed out that the use of graphene film as an anti-corrosion coating also means a paradigm shift in the development of protective coatings. Relevant papers were published in the September issue of Carbon.

As a widely concerned new material, scientists are currently developing the potential of using graphene to improve the corrosion resistance of metals. The research team used a technology called "chemical vapor deposition" to make graphene stick tightly to copper at 800-900 ℃, and tested it in salt water. "Our results are also one of the best improvements reported so far." "Its corrosion resistance is nearly 100 times higher than that of untreated copper. Other studies may only be five or six times or more. This is a considerable leap," said co-author Manaka Magamde

Parama Banerji, the main experimenter of the study, said that graphene has excellent mechanical properties and high strength. The polymer coating commonly used on metal is easy to be scratched, reducing the protection performance. Although graphene coating can neither be seen nor touched from the appearance, it is more robust and damage resistant. "I call it 'magic material'."

The researchers pointed out that this technology has broad application prospects. From ocean going ships to electronic products, it can greatly extend the service life of metals wherever metals are used and there is a risk of corrosion. This also means that many industries will save huge costs. At present, the technological process of this technology is still in the experimental testing stage. Magamde said that they not only carried out experiments on various metals, but also studied how to make coatings at low temperatures, which would simplify production and improve the market potential of products.