Enhancement of anti-microbial corrosion properties through coatings incorporating S2− responsive TCS-MSNs@TA-FeIII nanofillers

Abstract

In environments susceptible to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC), conventional coatings frequently lack antimicrobial properties, resulting in diminished corrosion protection. The direct incorporation of antimicrobial agents into coatings may lead to continuous leakage. In this study, we tackled this challenge by utilizing smart nanofillers known as TCS-MSNs@TA-FeIII, which form mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) encapsulated by tannic acid-Fe3+ and loaded with triclosan (TCS). These nanofillers exhibited responsiveness to variations in S2− concentration caused by sulfate-reducing bacteria's (SRB) metabolic activities, enabling controlled release of TCS within the low S2− concentration range of 0.05 to 3 mM. Additionally, we evaluated the antimicrobial and anti-corrosion properties of the coating after integrating it into a water-based epoxy coating within an SRB environment. The results showcased exceptional performance of the TCS-MSNs@TA-FeIII coating, characterized by the highest impedance modulus (3.19 × 106 Ω·cm2), lowest corrosion current density (2.04 × 10−8 A·cm−2), and remarkable antimicrobial efficacy. This study offers valuable insights into developing novel coatings with enduring MIC inhibition capabilities while also broadening the potential application range of organic coatings.