Novel fluorine-functionalized Ti3C2Tx/TiO2 hybrid coatings with enhanced weatherability, antifouling, and interfacial anticorrosion performances

Abstract

As a valuable symbol of human cultural heritage, bronze inevitably endures varying degrees of corrosion due to environmental change. Thus, developing an efficient protective coating for bronze is crucial to ensure bronze relics receive more protection. Herein, a multifunctional organic-inorganic hybrid composite coating of 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-Perfluorodecyltriethoxysilane (PFDTES), TiCT nanosheets and TiO nanoparticles (PFDTES@TiCT/TiO) are successfully prepared and coated the bronze, which exhibits excellent anti-corrosion, weathering stability and superhydrophobicity. The superhydrophobicity of coating is derived from introducing a low surface energy C-F bond. Furthermore, the corrosion protection ability can be improved by the barrier effect of TiCT nanosheets, and TiO nanoparticles can enhance the weathering stability of coatings by providing exceptional abrasion resistance and ultraviolet (UV) resistance capabilities. Morphological examination, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, an accelerated aging test, and electrochemical measurements, among other methods, were used to research the protective effect and anticorrosion performance of organic-inorganic hybrid coatings. It can be found that the composite coatings have a large water contact angle (153°) and form a superhydrophobic surface. Furthermore, electrochemical results show that the superhydrophobic PFDTES@TiCT/TiO coating has a higher low-frequency impedance modulus and lower current density than the uncoated substrate, indicating enhanced corrosion resistance. Based on solid and liquid pollutant tests, the PFDTES@TiCT/TiO coatings also showed good self-cleaning and antifouling properties. And coating maintained good transparency without changing the bronze color and appearance. In conclusion, the superhydrophobic PFDTES@TiCT/TiO composite coating has potential applications in the field of bronze protection.