Investigation of graphene/Ti3C2Tx 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 Ti3C2Tx 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.