Multifunctional liquid-like magnetic nanofluids mediated coating with anticorrosion and self-healing performance

The long-term protective efficacy of organic coatings against corrosion can be diminished by the presence of micropores/cracks and poor self-healing capabilities. To address these issues, Ti₃C₂ MXene was subjected to liquefaction-like treatment to maintain a two-dimensional lamellar structure in water and polymer matrix for a long time, as well as improve the dispersion stability and loading capacity of MXene. The inorganic corrosion inhibitor ferroferric oxide (Fe₃O₄) was then electrostatically loaded onto MXene nanofluids to obtain a hybrid material. Through hydrogen bonding, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) molecular chains were bridged to the hybrid material, resulting in a self-healing anti-corrosion coating. The coating exhibited excellent corrosion protection, as well as self-healing properties attributed to the labyrinth effect and corrosion inhibition of MXene@Fe₃O₄ hybrids. Notably, electrochemical testing demonstrated outstanding corrosion resistance of this coating on diverse substrate surfaces. In addition, the anti-corrosion coating will strongly coalesce on the surface of B-NdFeB under magnetic stimulation, realizing the localized corrosion protection of metal materials. The anti-corrosion coating can be quickly repaired under the stimulation of water as well as recovery, the anti-corrosion repair efficiency on the surface of permanent magnets is up to 92%, and the mechanical properties after recovery can be restored to 97% of the original sample. This innovative coating offers a convenient, green synthesis strategy for the construction of self-healing coatings with superior anti-corrosion properties.