Bifunctional CuO/TiO₂ nanocomposite as nanofiller for improved corrosion resistance and antibacterial protection

The capability to improve the performance of polymer coatings with the inclusion of nanomaterial is a vital factor for mitigating corrosion and reducing bacterial growth caused by micro-organisms in marine environment. Herein, we report the usage of TiO₂-CuO nanocomposite as nanofillers for epoxy coatings to protect the surface of steel against corrosion and bacterial growth. A novel TiO₂-CuO nanocomposite was synthesized using oxalate method and the composite was characterized for its phase composition and morphology using different techniques such as X-Ray diffraction, Raman spectral studies and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Surface characterization of synthesized nanocomposite revealed the shape and uniform distribution of CuO and TiO₂ nanoparticles. The results of electrochemical measurements conducted in 3.5% NaCl solution exhibited enhanced corrosion-protective properties of epoxy coatings with synthesized TiO₂-CuO nanocomposites compared with the pure epoxy coating. In addition, the coated mild steel (MS) substrates tested for their antibacterial performance against the Gram-negative bacterium, Escherichia coli, showed that the nanocomposite coatings presented strong antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli.