Fabrication of TiN-Based Superhydrophobic Anti-Corrosion Coating by Inverse Vulcanization

Abstract Sulfur-rich polymers prepared by inverse vulcanization (IV), as a new chemistry and polymerization technique, have attracted increasing attention since their invention in 2013. Although extensive research has been devoted to IV, there is still huge scope for advance, particularly in terms of the practical applications of the resultant polymers. Previously SiO2-embedded sulfur-rich polymers from IV were reported as superhydrophobic, antibacterial and anti-corrosion coating materials. We report herein the improved properties of superhydrophobic and anti-corrosion functional materials prepared by embedding more hydrophobic TiN nanoparticles into sulfur-rich polymers. This method provides fluoride-free composite materials, which is important considering the possible hazard to humans and the environment and concerns of fluorine-containing olefins with long carbon chains. Static water contact angles (WCA) of up to 173.6 ± 1.1° as well as superior properties such as higher superhydrophobicity and anti-corrosion (97.2% coating protection rate) are achieved. The generated coating has good to excellent self-cleaning functions. This protocol not only improves the superhydrophobicity of the synthesized composites, but also provides a feasible method for the preparation of non-harmful and environmentally benign fluorine-free superhydrophobic anti-corrosion materials applied in marine industries.