Dopamine monomer functionalized Ti3C2 nanosheets and their anticorrosion improvement for waterborne epoxy coatings

MXene is becoming more and more active in the field of anticorrosion coatings. In this work, Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets were modified with dopamine monomer and then introduced into waterborne epoxy coatings (EP). Composite coatings with unmodified Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets were also prepared for comparison. Anticorrosion properties of the coatings were evaluated via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and salt spray tests in detail. Dopamine monomer was readily attached to Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets via chemical bond and saturated at 0.075 mg/mg Ti 3 C 2 . The modified Ti 3 C 2 (D-Ti 3 C 2 ) showed slightly deteriorated dispersibility in water but better dispersibility in waterborne epoxy resin relative to unmodified Ti 3 C 2 . The impedance modulus of D-Ti 3 C 2 coatings achieved four and two orders of magnitude enhancement compared with EP and unmodified Ti 3 C 2 coatings, respectively. The addition of D-Ti 3 C 2 reduced the water absorption of EP by 80% after a prolonged immersion process. Superior barrier ability and enhanced dispersion of D-Ti 3 C 2 nanosheets were responsible for the efficient enhancement of the anticorrosion performance of waterborne epoxy resin coating.