Fluorinated Ti3C2Tx/PPy/B72 Composite Coating with Superhydrophobicity and Long-Term Durability for Bronze Corrosion Protection

To address the pressing need for durable anti-corrosion protection of bronze relics, a novel synergistic multi-component hybrid coating was fabricated by integrating fluorinated Ti 3 C 2 T x (F-Ti 3 C 2 T x ) nanosheets and polypyrrole (PPy) nanoparticles into a Paraloid B72 matrix via a simple and scalable self-assembly strategy. The F-Ti 3 C 2 T x nanosheets acts as two-dimensional layered filler, forming tortuous barrier that impedes the ingress of corrosive species. PPy nanoparticles contribute to anodic passivation by promoting localized formation of metal oxide layers. Meanwhile, the B72 matrix acts as a durable support framework, improving the mechanical strength and adhesion of the coating. Together, these components form a synergistic tri-phase network that combines passive shielding, active protection, and environmental durability. The resulting F-Ti 3 C 2 T x /PPy/B72 coating exhibited a high static water contact angle (152.6°), which conferred outstanding self-cleaning capability. After 21 days of UV aging and temperature-humidity cycling, the coating retained hydrophobicity and surface integrity. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed that the impedance modulus at 0.01 Hz increased by nearly three orders of magnitude compared to bare bronze, while the corrosion current density decreased significantly, confirming enhanced long-term corrosion resistance. Furthermore, the coating preserved the aesthetic integrity of bronze artifacts (ΔE<3), satisfying critical conservation standards. This integrated strategy offers a novel and effective approach for designing protective coatings for cultural heritage preservation and broader outdoor metal protection applications, especially under harsh environmental stressors.