Semiconductive (Cu–S)n metal–organic framework incorporated polyimide nanocomposite coatings forming an oxide barrier for durable anticorrosion effects

Abstract

A semiconductive (Cu–S)n metal–organic framework (MOF) possesses redox property, which enables polyimide (PI)/(Cu–S)n MOF nanocomposite coatings to form a passivation layer on a metal substrate to prevent corrosion. This study successfully synthesised (Cu–S)n MOF nanorods by using a one-pot microwave-assisted reaction. The functionalised (Cu–S)n MOF nanorods exhibited excellent dispersion in solution and could polymerise with the PI matrix through chemical bonding to form PI/functionalised (Cu–S)n MOF (PI/FMOF) nanocomposites. The as-prepared nanocomposites exhibited multifunctional properties with remarkable flexibility and excellent thermal, mechanical, and corrosion protection effect, as well as anticorrosion against high temperatures. The nanocomposites exhibited a corrosion rate and corrosion protection efficiency of 4.66 × 10−3 milli-inches per year and 99.93 %, respectively. Furthermore, long-term (21 days) anticorrosion durability tests revealed that the PI/FMOF nanocomposites maintained their anticorrosion performance throughout the tests. This study is the first to use polymer/redox MOF–based nanocomposites in anticorrosion applications, successfully reducing the corrosion rate and inhibiting corrosion through the induction of a passivation barrier.