h-BN/PANI Incorporated Polydimethylsiloxane Hydrophobic Coating With Active Corrosion Protection and Antibacterial Properties

Here, we report the findings of the development and characterization of a mechanically robust hydrophobic hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN)-polyaniline (PANI)-based polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) coating for mild steel with active corrosion protection. PANI was in situ synthesized on the surface of h-BN sheets, resolving the inherent stacking nature of h-BN and agglomeration of PANI, and then incorporated into a PDMS coating. The wettability studies revealed that adding h-BN/PANI pigments enhanced the hydrophobicity of the PDMS coating. The impedance modulus (|Z| at 0.01 Hz) of the PDMS coating containing h-BN/PANI was approximately 10⁹ Ω·cm² after 35 days of immersion in a 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution, demonstrating excellent corrosion protection. Further, the results from scratch tests and salt spray tests revealed the active corrosion protection properties of the h-BN/PANI/PDMS coating. The scratch and pull-off adhesion tests confirmed the excellent adhesion of the h-BN/PANI/PDMS coating, and the Taber abrasion test revealed that adding h-BN enhances the wear resistance of the PDMS coating. Antibacterial studies against Gram-negative Escherichia coli bacteria revealed PANI-mediated antibacterial activity, signifying the potential of PANI-incorporated coatings in preventing bacterial-induced corrosion. This work will provide a new perspective on preparing a one-layer siloxane coating with durable anti-corrosion, hydrophobic, and antibacterial properties.