Enhancing Corrosion Resistance and Tribomechanical Characteristics of Powder Coatings via the Integration of Functionalized HF-Free MXene Reinforcements

Abstract

MXene, a new generation of 2D materials, is gaining attention for anti-corrosion applications due to its large surface area, electrical conductivity, and self-healing properties. Its low shear strength and self-lubricating properties enhance wear resistance. Herein, silane functionalized HF-Free MXene nanosheets “MS-f_Ti3 C2 and MS-f_Ti3 C2@Zn ” synthesized through the molten salt method are integrated into the environmentally sustainable powder coating. The electrochemical tests indicate that a powder coating containing a well-dispersed 1.5 wt.% f_Ti3 C2@Zn nanosheets exhibit the highest polarization resistance (1.1 × 106 Ω cm2 ), lowest Icorr (2.15 × 10−8 A cm−2 ) and superior anti-corrosion performance after 42 days of immersion in 3.5 wt.% NaCl. The polarization resistance (Rp) and corrosion current (Icorr ) of the untreated coating are measured to be 1.6 × 103 Ω cm2 and 1.6 × 10−5 A cm−2, respectively. In addition, the incorporation of MXene material reduces crack development and spalling, and enhances wear resistance during the friction process. The loading of 1.5 wt.% f_Ti3 C 2@Zn reduces the coefficient of friction (COF) and improves wear rate by 45% and 51%, respectively Analysis of composites via nanoindentation reveals such enhanced mechanical properties. This study presents an effective and sustainable approach to improve the mechanical, tribological, and long-term corrosion protection of organic coating, thereby exhibiting great potential for using HF-Free MXene as a multipurpose additive.