| Abstract [eng] |
The integration of MXene coatings into composite materials has garnered significant attention due to their outstanding mechanical and electrical properties. Titania-based MXenes exhibit promising characteristics for strain-sensing applications in fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites[1,2]1,2. However, their stability is compromised due to oxidation in ambient environments [3]3. In this study, we developed molybdenum-based MXene coatings capable of detecting low strain values typically encountered in such composites. These coatings demonstrate greater stability and higher resistance to oxidation, making them highly suitable for real-time strain sensing in FRP composites. We synthesized molybdenum-based MAX phases, Mo₂TiAlC₂ and Mo₂TiC₂ MXenes, using a molten salt method as an alternative to conventional HF etching − an environmentally friendly approach for MXene preparation. The synthesized MXenes were spray-coated onto glass fiber-reinforced composites. The coatings were evaluated based on their electrical resistance behavior. Additionally, the purity of the MAX phase and MXenes was analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), while morphology and elemental composition were examined via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Furthermore, the coatings' adhesion properties and sensitivity to surface roughness were investigated. This work presents novel insights into more stable MXene-based strain-sensing coatings. Molybdenum-based MXenes exhibit significantly higher chemical stability and oxidation resistance compared to titania-based MXenes, particularly in ambient air. This improved stability enhances the washability of sensor coatings and reduces degradation, especially in harsh environments. These advanced MXene-based coatings are scalable, lightweight, and offer superior long-term performance for strain-sensing applications in composite materials. |
