Ti₃C₂ MXene/Polyaniline/Montmorillonite Nanostructures toward Solvent-Free Powder Coatings with Enhanced Corrosion Resistance and Mechanical Properties

Solvent-free powder coatings have become very popular in the coating industry replacing conventional liquid for last decades. However, poor adhesion of to substrate and micropores inevitably created during curing process lead localized corrosion reduced mechanical resistance. For this purpose, Ti3C2 MXene/polyaniline (PANI)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites with superior conductivity capabilities were incorporated into eco-friendly coating. The as-synthesized analyzed using various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, photoelectron high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, field-emission scanning Raman spectroscopy. To evaluate effectiveness preventing on a mild steel substrate, two methods employed: potentiodynamic polarization electrochemical impedance tests revealed that an excellent dispersion 1.5 wt % MXene/PANI/MMT nanosheets polyester/epoxy resulted anti-corrosion performance (4.8 × 106 Ω) after 42 days immersion 3.5 NaCl compared blank samples (7.2 102 Ω). According Tafel analysis, potential optimal sample is −0.062 V, which more positive than pristine (−0.83 V). resistance (Rp) current (icorr) are determined be 3.39 Ω·cm2 7.69 10–9 A·cm–2, respectively. Moreover, marginally increased hardness (229.42 MPa) pure (152.68 due synergistic effect MXene flake-like MMT nanoparticles, results improvement strength coatings. Additionally, presence PANI caused further crosslinking modulation electrical produced nanocomposites. present study proposes practical method enhance shielding properties solvent-free coatings, making them suitable use real-world applications, including commercial, medical, household sectors.