Abstract

Superimposed chemical degradation and mechanical wear compromise the durability of metallic components in harsh environments. Our work focuses on multilayer Ti3C2Tx coatings deposited by spray coating onto AISI 304 stainless steel, focusing on their surface-protection capability against corrosion and friction. The study followed a two-stage approach: (i) assessment of the corrosion resistance in 0.1 M NaCl by gravimetry, and (ii) characterization of tribological performance by linear reciprocating ball-on-flat tests on specimens as-deposited and post-corrosion. Even after 28 days of saline exposure, the Ti3C2Tx-coated samples exhibited notable reductions in the corrosion rate, coefficient of friction (COF), and wear rate compared to the uncoated reference sample. These improvements can be connected to the formation of a dense, aligned, low-shear tribo-layer originating from Ti?C?T? with limited surface oxidation that persists after corrosion thus providing effective passivation within the wear track. Raman/EDS analysis supports the in-track chemical stability of the coating, consistent with the densified morphologies observed by SEM/WLI. Collectively, the results demonstrate the synergistic benefits of Ti3C2Tx coatings in simultaneously mitigating chemical and mechanical degradation, advancing their deployment in harsh, corrosive environments. © 2025 Elsevier B.V.