Mechanical and anticorrosion properties of nanosilica-filled epoxy-resin composite coatings

- Homogeneous 130 nm silica/epoxy coating on austenitic steel.
- Nanosilica increases coating's hardness, roughness and induces hydrophobicity.
- Silica/epoxy coating a successful barrier in a chloride-ion-rich environment.
- Nanosilica reduces corrosion and zigzags diffusion path available to ionic species.