Fabrication of a SAPNI/I-Ti3C2Tx 3D structure hybrid for the enhancement of higher barrier and self-passivation coatings.

With its unique structure and properties, Ti 3 C 2 T x MXene has shown great potential for application in anti-corrosion coatings in recent years. However, its good conductivity might accelerate the corrosion process if effective protective measures are not taken. Herein, we developed sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI)/imidazolium salts modified Ti 3 C 2 T x (I-Ti 3 C 2 T x) composites (SIT), which were synthesized by oxidative polymerization of o-aminobenzenesulfonic acid and aniline monomers in I-Ti 3 C 2 T x dispersion. The structure, chemical composition, and properties of epoxy (EP) coatings with different contents of SIT were evaluated by several techniques, such as SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, FTIR, EIS, and SST (Salt Spray Test). The experimental results showed that SIT greatly enhanced the corrosion protection property of EP coating. Especially, the impedance of 0.5 wt% SIT/EP coating was maintained at 6.57 × 109 Ω cm2 after 180 days of immersion, which was much higher than that of other samples. Furthermore, LEIS test results evaluated the passivation behavior and protective effect of the coatings in the presence of artificial scratches. The excellent anti-corrosion performance of SIT/EP coatings was due to the synergistic effects of antioxidation stability, impermeability property, and self-passivation produced by the fabrication of such SIT 3D structure hybrid. • Sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI)/I-Ti 3 C 2 T x composites (SIT) were synthesized to develop a novel anti-corrosion additive. • SIT improved epoxy coatings exhibited outstanding corrosion protection ability. • The passivation effect by SPNAI could provide supplemental protection to the scratched position of the coatings. • The anti-corrosion mechanism produced by antioxidation stability, impermeability, and the passivation was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]