Epoxy-functionalized Ti3C2 nanosheet for epoxy coatings with prominent anticorrosion performance

The application of MXene in anticorrosion coatings has attracted recent research interest. Limited information exists on the effect of MXene functionalization on anticorrosion performance. In this work, epoxy-functionalized Ti3C2 nanosheets (E-Ti3C2) were prepared by grafting with (3-glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane and incor-porated into solvent-borne epoxy coatings with low mass fractions of 0.3 wt%, 0.5 wt% and 0.7 wt%. The anticorrosion properties of the coatings were investigated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and salt spray tests. The highest impedance was achieved for the 0.5 wt% E-Ti3C2 coating, at nearly three orders of magnitude higher than a pure epoxy coating. In contrast, the coating with unmodified Ti3C2 yielded an impedance improvement of approximately one order of magnitude. Salt spray tests manifested the same anti-corrosion results. The enhanced anticorrosion improvement by epoxy-functionalization should result from the better dispersibility and chemical bonding between the E-Ti3C2 and matrix. The mechanical properties and adhesion force of the coatings were also evaluated. A better scratch resistance, higher adhesion force and reduced flexibility resulted after E-Ti3C2 incorporation.

Automated summary

The research on the effect of MXene functionalization on anticorrosion performance showed that epoxy-functionalization can lead to better anticorrosion improvement. The mechanical properties and adhesion force of the coatings were enhanced after E-Ti3C2 incorporation.