Abstract
Epoxy resin coatings are widely employed for steel protection owing to their excellent adhesion, chemical stability, mechanical strength, and barrier properties. However, conventional bisphenol A-based resins and organic solvents may pose risks to reproductive, developmental, and immune systems, as well as contribute to atmospheric pollution. This mini-review critically evaluates recent advancements in fully waterborne bio-based epoxy nanocomposites as sustainable alternatives, with particular emphasis on their enhanced antibacterial and corrosion-resistant performance in tropical marine environments. A central focus is the role of chitosan-grafted graphene oxide (Chi-GO) as a multifunctional nanofiller that significantly enhances both antibacterial efficacy and barrier capabilities. For instance, coatings reinforced with Chi-GO exhibit up to two orders of magnitude lower corrosion current density than pristine epoxy coatings, and achieve over 95% bacterial inhibition against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus at a 1 wt.% loading. The review summarizes key synthesis methods, functional modification techniques, and commonly adopted evaluation approaches. Emerging research further underscores environmental performance metrics, including reduced volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and improved life-cycle assessments. By integrating bio-based polymer matrices with Chi-GO, these composite systems present a promising pathway toward environmentally benign and durable protective coatings. Nevertheless, critical challenges concerning scalability and long-term stability under real-world operating conditions remain insufficiently addressed. Future research should emphasize scalable manufacturing strategies, such as roll-to-roll processing, and conduct extended tropical exposure testing (e.g., salt spray tests beyond 2000 h). Additionally, developing comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks will be crucial for sustainable industrial implementation.