Silanized graphene oxide reinforced organofunctional silane composite coatings for corrosion protection

•The tetraethoxysilane molecules were grafted on graphene oxide (GO) surfaces efficiently with the assistance of microwave irradiation.•Silanized GO was well dispersed in the hybrid silane matrix to obtain the composite coatings.•The protective properties of the composite coatings were greatly improved by the addition of 0.2wt% silanized GO. Silanized graphene oxide (SGO) reinforced organofunctional silane composite coatings were fabricated on galvanized steel substrates. A mixture of silane precursors were employed to prepare the composite matrix. The graphene oxide surfaces were functionalized by tetraethoxysilane molecules to improve its compatibility with the silane matrix. The protective properties of the composite coatings were significantly improved compared with the neat silane coatings. The composite coatings exhibited the highest protective properties with the addition of 0.2wt% of SGO. Silanized graphene provided a physical barrier to the corrosive molecules.