Investigation of graphene/Ti₃C₂T_x transition-metal carbide composite coatings for steel surface protection

ABSTRACT

This study developed and systematically investigated a novel protective coating system combining graphene oxide (GO) and Ti₃C₂T_x for enhanced steel surface protection. Through careful optimization of synthesis parameters and composition ratios, we achieved uniform dispersion and strong interfacial interactions between the components, resulting in a dense, well-adhered coating structure. The composite exhibited exceptional mechanical properties, with nanoindentation measurements revealing uniform distribution of hardness (coefficient of variation <8%) across the coating surface. Electrochemical analysis demonstrated the coating’s remarkable barrier properties, with impedance measurements showing charge transfer resistance values exceeding 109 Ω·cm2 in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution. The coating maintained structural integrity and protective performance during prolonged environmental exposure, retaining over 85% of its initial adhesion strength after 30 days under accelerated aging conditions. Potentiodynamic polarization studies revealed a significant reduction in corrosion rate, with the corrosion current density decreasing by three orders of magnitude compared to unprotected steel. The optimized coating system demonstrated excellent long-term stability in salt spray testing, maintaining a high corrosion rating throughout 1000 hours of exposure, indicating its potential for practical industrial applications.

Keywords:
Anticorrosion performance; Electrochemical impedance; Nanocomposite materials; Barrier properties; Mechanical durability