Towards long-term corrosion and wear protection of Al alloy: synergy of Ti3C2Tx flake and micro-arc oxidation coating

Abstract The multilayer structure of Ti3C2Tx hybrid epoxy coating (Ti3C2Tx/epoxy coating) on Al alloy with micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment is built up toward synergistic protection. On one side is to exert the advantages on Ti3C2Tx with the physical barrier and mechanical properties, on the other is to weaken the shortcomings on poor adhesion strength of Ti3C2Tx/epoxy coating with substrate and its high conductivity. The adhesion strength of T/EP-on-MAO is increased by about two times and its wear rate lowers 4.97 × 10-5 mm3/N·m, thereby displaying excellent corrosion/wear resistance via the synergies of fostering strengths and circumventing weaknesses.