+Improving the corrosion protection properties of epoxy resin coating by using HKUST-1-BTA@e-Mica two-dimensional nanocomposites

Abstract

In order to enhance the performance of epoxy coatings to cope with more severe working environments, we develop a convenient energy-saving and fast method to develop an eco-friendly pH-responsive smart coating with long-term corrosion protection. In this paper, HKUST-1 crystals were rapidly synthesised on mica nanosheets (e-Mica) using hydroxyl complex salt (HDS) as an intermediate at room temperature and loaded with the corrosion inhibitor BTA to obtain the composite material HBeM. The use of e-Mica in coatings offers numerous benefits, including extended resistance to corrosive media and the ability to adjust mechanical properties. It is important to note, however, that e-Mica is less compatible with epoxy resin. HKUST-1 can not only be used as a pH-responsive nanocontainer to load a large amount of corrosion inhibitor, but also to regulate the compatibility between mica nanosheets and epoxy resin with a large number of functional groups on HKUST-1. The results of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that HKUST-1-BTA@e-Mica (HBeM) composite enables the coating to provide long-term corrosion protection. The low frequency impedance of the HBeM/EP composite coating, |Z|f=0.01 Hz, was improved by almost three orders of magnitude and remained higher than that of the pure epoxy coating after 30 days of immersion, and the addition of fillers enhances the mechanical properties of the coating. In conclusion, this paper provides a simple, energy-efficient and rapid method for the preparation of smart corrosion-resistant coatings, which has great potential for industrial use.