High Performance Bio-Based Chitosan Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite Coatings for Anti-Corrosion Protection of Aluminium Surfaces

Corrosion of metals, especially aluminium, poses a major challenge in industries such as aerospace, automotive, marine, and construction, leading to shorter material lifespans, higher maintenance costs, and weakened structural integrity. This review paper examines bio-based chitosan-graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite coatings as an eco-friendly alternative for protecting aluminium surfaces. Chitosan extracted from crab shells provides a biodegradable film-forming matrix, while graphene oxide enhances mechanical strength, barrier properties, and corrosion resistance. The coating was characterised using FTIR, FESEM, and EDX analyses. EDX confirmed the elemental signatures of both chitosan (C, N, O) and GO, with uniform distribution maps validating the homogeneous composite nature. Salt spray testing demonstrated that coated aluminium remained intact for 96 hours while bare aluminium showed severe corrosion within 24–48 hours. Electrochemical analysis confirmed a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 93.3% and a charge transfer resistance approximately 548 times higher than bare aluminium, establishing this bio-nanocomposite as a highly effective and sustainable anti-corrosion solution. Keywords: Bio-based coating, Chitosan, Graphene oxide (GO), Anti-corrosion, Aluminium surfaces, Nanocomposite, EDX, Salt spray test, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, Sustainable materials.