Phen@TiO2 modified epoxy resin/polyacrylate IPN composite coating towards wear/corrosion resistance and intelligent self-repairing/diagnosis

Epoxy resin/polyacrylate interpenetrating polymers network (IPN) composite coating shows excellent mechanical properties, high thermal stability, and weather resistance, but it fails to meet the protective requirements under extreme environments. Herein, TiO2 core-shell particles impregnated with 1,10-phenanthroline monohydrate (Phen@TiO2) were successfully prepared and introduced into IPN as corrosion inhibitor and indicator. The anti-wear, anti-corrosion, self-repairing/diagnosis, and UV-resistance properties of the IPN composite coatings were evaluated in detail, and the strengthening mechanisms of Phen@TiO2 were explored. The results show that the wear rate of IPN-2.0CS(Ti) composite coating is 47 % lower than that of pure IPN. Furthermore, the IPN-2.0CS(Ti) composite coating shows the dual-function of self-repairing and self-diagnosis once the coating is damaged. The enhanced anti-wear/corrosion and self-repairing/diagnosis properties of IPN composite coatings are contributed to the introduction of mesoporous TiO2 and the controllable release of Phen from Phen@TiO2. This work provides a new thinking for the design and application of high-performance intelligent protective coatings. [Display omitted] •The Phen-loaded mesoporous TiO2 modified by PEI/PSS polyelectrolyte layer was successfully prepared.•The as-prepared intelligent composite coating incorporated with Phen@TiO2 exhibited excellent anti-wear/corrosion, UV resistance, and self-repairing/diagnose properties.•The Phen@TiO2 has a wide application prospect in multi-function intelligent coating for practical application.