Amino-functionalized Ti3C2Tx loading ZIF-8 nanocontainer@benzotriazole as multifunctional composite filler towards self-healing epoxy coating.

It is difficult for Ti3C2Tx-containing epoxy coatings to prevent electrochemical corrosion at the metal/coating interface after long-term exposure to corrosive environments. Thus, endowing Ti3C2Tx-containing epoxy coatings with self-healing function and good wear resistance is very significant. Here, a novel self-healing epoxy coating (f-Ti3C2Tx-ZB@EP) is designed via incorporating with amino-functionalized Ti3C2Tx loading 2-methylimidazole zinc salt (ZIF-8) nanocontainer@benzotriazole (f-Ti3C2Tx-ZB) multifunctional composite filler, and its anti-corrosion and tribological properties are evaluated in detail. The as-prepared f-Ti3C2Tx-ZB@EP shows an order of magnitude enhancement in coating resistance (Rc) and achieves self-healing function under severe environment, which are attributed to the synergistic effect of passive and active protection. Specially, the change of pH value caused by electrochemical corrosion could induce the nanocontainer to release BTA, thereby forming corrosion inhibition films on the coating/metal interface. Besides, the wear rate of f-Ti3C2Tx-ZB@EP is decreased by one order of magnitude because of the lubrication effect of Ti3C2Tx at the friction interface and the high resistance to plastic deformation of epoxy composite coating. Therefore, f-Ti3C2Tx-ZB@EP with better self-healing, anti-corrosion and tribological properties is equipped with long-term metal protection ability and enlightens a thought-provoking idea for corrosion and wear resistance.