Laser‐Generated PDA‐Functionalized MoS ₂ /ZnO Nanofillers for Multifunctional Epoxy Coatings on Carbon Steel

ABSTRACT

This study explores multifunctional epoxy‐based nanocomposite coatings incorporating PDA‐functionalized laser‐generated MoS ₂ /ZnO nanofillers for carbon steel protection. MoS ₂ , ZnO, and mixed MoS ₂ /ZnO nanomaterials were synthesized by laser ablation in liquid and functionalized with polydopamine (PDA) to improve their compatibility with epoxy. The coatings were characterized by UV–Vis, FTIR, XRD, TEM, contact angle, electrochemical, and antibacterial analyses. The mixed coating showed a contact angle of 87.63° ± 3.26°. Potentiodynamic polarization revealed a decrease in corrosion current density from 3.482 × 10 ⁻⁵ to 5.829 × 10 ⁻⁷ A cm ⁻² , reducing the corrosion rate from 0.3953 to 0.0066 mm year ⁻¹ and achieving 98.33% inhibition efficiency. EIS confirmed enhanced corrosion resistance, while ZnO‐containing and mixed coatings showed superior antibacterial activity against both gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The results demonstrate the potential of PDA‐functionalized MoS ₂ /ZnO nanofillers for multifunctional epoxy coatings.