Multifunctional Ti3C2Tx@grease coating: Repellency-lubrication barrier network for anti-corrosion and anti-wear/friction

Ti 3 C 2 T x -reinforced epoxy (EP) coatings face challenges in simultaneously achieving multifunctional integration of anti‑corrosion and low‑wear/friction. Based on a synergistic concept combining water-repellency and sustained lubrication, a polyethyleneimine-functionalized Ti 3 C 2 T x (P-Ti 3 C 2 T x )/lithium complex grease (LCG) reinforced epoxy coating (EP@PL) featuring dual repellency-lubrication was developed via a “like‑dissolves‑like” approach. Importantly, Matthews’ method and the Full model were used to analyze coating porosity and blistering failure. Consequently, the optimized EP@P 0.12 L coating demonstrated a |Z| 0.01 Hz approximately two orders of magnitude higher than pure EP after 21 days, owing to the repellency caused by the strong interfacial tension between LCG and water that acts synergistically with P-Ti 3 C 2 T x to establish a passive barrier. Furthermore, benefiting from P-Ti 3 C 2 T x interlayer sliding and regulated oil film lubrication, the coating achieved an 89.2% reduction in friction coefficient and a 95.2% decrease in wear volume. The integrated lubrication-repellency structure offers a promising strategy for designing high-performance protective coatings.