Researchers have developed a novel self-healing coating that combines improved mechanical and adhesive properties with improved self-healing. This was achieved by grafting ATP nanorods on NH2-Ti3C2Tx nanosheets, which were functionalized with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and attapulgite (ATP). The resulting nanocomposite, designated as AMQM, was used to create self-healing epoxy films that exhibit improved properties. The coating showed excellent corrosion resistance, with an increase in impedance from 0.073 MΩ cm2 to 2.189 MΩ cm2 after 96 hours. Simulations suggested that the inhibitors bind strongly to the AA2024-T3 alloy, with twice the adsorption energy compared to individual inhibitors. This pH-sensitive self-healing coating offers a promising approach for corrosion suppression. The research demonstrates the potential for novel nanomaterials to improve the performance of self-healing coatings. This breakthrough could have significant implications for industries that require high-performance coatings, such as offshore oil rigs, ships, and civil engineering projects.
Intelligent coating technology, empowered by attapulgite-modified MXene, now features integrated inhibitors for self-healing capabilities.
