Zinc Dimethacrylate/Waterborne Chlorinated Rubber Core-Shell Composite Latexes with Self-Reinforcing, Active Passivation, and Antibacterial Functions for Long-Term Anticorrosion.

A multifunctional waterborne composite coating with self-reinforcing, active passivation, and antibacterial properties was developed by synergistically incorporating zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA) and waterborne chlorinated rubber (WCR) via semicontinuous seed emulsion polymerization. The core-shell structured ZDMA/WCR latexes combine two synergistic protective mechanisms: bulk self-reinforcing effect via ionic network reconstruction, and interfacial active passivation via Zn2+-derived passivation layers. ZDMA provides ionic cross-linking and controllable Zn2+ release, while WCR enhances water resistance and blocks corrosive medium penetration. Electrochemical analysis coupled with distribution of relaxation times (DRT) reveals that the optimized coating retains a low-frequency impedance modulus (|Z|0.01Hz) above 109 Ω cm2 after 90 days of immersion, and shows antibacterial activity with the potential to mitigate microbiologically influenced corrosion. The Zn2+-based passivation and dynamic self-renewal mechanism effectively suppresses interface corrosion and coating degradation. This work provides a green, scalable strategy for high-performance waterborne smart anticorrosion coatings used in harsh marine and industrial environments.