Self-Healing TiO₂/Ti₃C₂Tx/PDMS Coating with High Mechanical Robustness and Anticorrosion Performance

Self-healing coating technology is an emerging strategy for extending the longevity of anticorrosion coating. Nevertheless, a significant challenge lies in ensuring that the coating can endure multiple cycles in intricate environments while sustaining a stable mechanical performance. In this study, we prepared a TiO2/Ti3C2Tx/PDMS elastomer coating by incorporating Ti3C2Tx nanosheets to improve mechanical properties and enhance physical barrier performance through photografting. Compared to PDMS without TiO2/Ti3C2Tx, the tensile strength increased from 10.32 to 16.24 MPa. Even after undergoing multiple loading–unloading cycles, the elastomer retained 88.98% of its initial strength, demonstrating remarkable durability and self-healing capabilities. Due to the presence of dynamic disulfide bonds, the coating can undergo a self-healing process within 30 min under 60 °C heating conditions. Furthermore, the presence of TiO2/Ti3C2Tx modified through photografting enhanced hydrophobicity and formed a micro/nanolayered "maze effect" structure, establishing a passive anticorrosion mechanism. This structure demonstrated sustained corrosion resistance for up to 50 days in aggressive environments, effectively preventing the corrosive medium from compromising the metal substrate.