Achieving superior anti-corrosion properties of vinyl ester resin coatings via compositing with 3-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane functionalized MXene nanosheets

Exposure of steel to harsh marine environment can cause serious corrosion, which significantly affects its durability. In this study, a novel two-dimensional MXene nanosheets were functionalized with 3-methacryloxy propyl trimethoxysilane (γ-MPS@MXene) followed by introducing into the vinyl ester resin (VER) through solution blending method to enhance the anti-corrosion properties of the coatings. The effects of γ-MPS@MXene incorporation on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, dynamic thermo-mechanical properties, UV aging resistance, anti-corrosion properties of the VER nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The optimum tensile strength, elastic modulus, hardness, thermal stability and UV aging resistance of γ-MPS@MXene VER nanocomposites can be achieved when composited with 0.08 wt% γ-MPS@MXene. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) results demonstrate the introduction of γ-MPS@MXene nanosheets into the VER enhanced the anti-corrosion properties of the composites coating remarkablely and the anti-corrosion mechanism was also revealed. The favourable interfacial interaction between γ-MPS@MXene and VER matrix through covalent cross-linking diminished interfacial defects of the composite coating and was also beneficial to enhancement of the compatibility, the well-dispersed γ-MPS@MXene in VER created a "labyrinth effect", which prolonged the diffusion path of corrosive medium to the carbon steel substrate. This research provides a promising strategy for the fabrication of heavy anti-corrosion nanocomposite resin coatings, which can realize long-term corrosion protection of metal substrates.