Dual Protection 3‑Aminopropyl Triethoxysilane-Functionalized COF-Epoxy Hybrid Coating for FOG Deposition and Corrosion Control: DFT Insights and Real-Time Analysis

The development of high-performance hybrid protective materials with superior mechanical and adhesive strength is essential for addressing the critical challenges of fatberg formation and sewer pipe corrosion. In this study, we present an approach that integrates covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with epoxy to fabricate multifunctional, pearl-layer-structured polymers. By incorporating the 3-aminopropyl triethoxysilane (APTES)-functionalized COF with an epoxy matrix, we successfully synthesized a hybrid coating characterized by very high mechanical strength, thermal stability, and exceptional adhesion properties. The resulting coating demonstrates outstanding mechanical performance, with a tensile strength of 140 MPa and adhesive strength of 9.5 MPa. These results were further supported by the Density Functional Theory calculations, which highlight the enhanced chemical hardness and the mechanical strength of APTES-functionalized COF-epoxy hybrid coating. This organic framework-epoxy coating has proven highly effective in controlling the deposition of fats, oils, and grease (FOG) in sewer systems with an efficiency of 91% while also providing robust protection against sewer corrosion of more than 95%. The outcomes of this research are highly promising for mitigating FOG-related issues in sewer systems and offer significant potential for future developments in anticorrosion coatings.