2-Methylimidazole-functionalized Ti3C2Tx to improve corrosion resistance of epoxy coating in deep sea

Ti3C2Tx nanosheets present fascinating potential application in the field of metal corrosion protection owing to their large specific surface area and excellent mechanical properties. However, Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with single physical barrier effect are insufficient to meet the need of deep-sea anti-corrosion. Herein, a novel 2-methylimidazole/Ti3C2Tx (2-MI/Ti3C2Tx) nanosheet was synthesized through hydrothermal synthesis and added it into the epoxy matrix as the reinforced-additive to further enhance the anti-corrosion performance. 2-MI/Ti3C2Tx presented fantastic chemical stability, high barrier property, and corrosion resistance in alternating hydrostatic pressure (AHP). The corrosion resistance performance of 2-MI/Ti3C2Tx/EP was studied in detail. After 8 cycles of 18 MPa AHP test, the impedance modulus value of 2-MI/Ti3C2Tx/EP reached 2.20 x 108 S2 cm2, indicating a significant increase of four orders of magnitude compared to EP. Similarly, 2-MI/Ti3C2Tx/EP also showed the highest impedance modulus value of 2.85 x 108 S2 cm2 after 30 d immersion in 1 atm environment. The adhesion strength of 2-MI/Ti3C2Tx/EP was three times higher than that of EP after 8 cycles immersion in 18 MPa AHP