Tribological properties of a smart Ti3C2Tx-based epoxy coating: Providing an idea to solve the weak tribological properties of traditional smart coatings

Friction damage is always a major threat to the wide application of smart anticorrosion coatings. Here, the tribological properties of a smart Ti3C2Tx-based epoxy coating (MLT@EP) is adjusted by the reasonable collocation of mesoporous silica nanocapsules loading onto Ti3C2Tx-based plane (MLT). MLT@EP not only maintains good smart anticorrosion, but also has remarkable anti-friction and anti-wear properties. Its friction coefficient exhibits a low and steady trend, and the wear rate arrived at 1.14 × 10−5 mm3/N·m, which is decreased by 58.3 ∼ 93.3 % compared to control groups. The excellent tribological properties are mainly attributed to the synergistic effect of MXene-based lubrication film, high resistance to plastic deformation, and strong internal interaction. [Display omitted] ●The reasonable collocation of MSC and Ti3C2Tx-based plane is developed.●The tribological properties of a smart Ti3C2Tx-based epoxy coating is adjusted by a facile structure control method.●The wear rate of the as-prepared smart coating is decreased by 78.8 % compared to Pure EP.●The tribological mechanism is analyzed from the micro-nano scale and the perspective of surface-to-interface.