Self-healing performance of polyurethane coating
In a new study, the self-healing as well as the corrosion performance of a polyurethane coating containing polyurethane microcapsules was investigated.
![Test revealed that artificial scratches were successfully healed. Image source: Ridderhof - Pixabay (symbol image).](https://www.european-coatings.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Kratzer-Selbstheilung-Risse-Riss-Quelle-Ridderhof-Pixabay-805x0-c-default.jpg)
In the study, the self-healing behavior of a polyurethane coating containing polyurethane microcapsules was investigated. Microcapsules, with the average size of 99 µm and shell thickness of 11 µm, were successfully synthesised and incorporated into the polyurethane coating matrix. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope were employed to investigate the healing performance and corrosion behavior of the coatings on a carbon steel substrate.
Artificial scratches successfully healed
The recorded results revealed that artificial scratches were successfully healed and the coating containing 20 wt% microcapsules exhibited the best healing performance (85% healing efficiency) among all the prepared coatings. The self-healing ability of the coatings was verified via scanning electron microscope. After 24 h, the healing efficiency attained a reasonable value of 68% during exposure to test solution. It was found that corrosion resistance and coating adhesion were significantly improved by incorporating the microcapsules into the coating.
The study has been published in Journal of Coatings Technology and Research, Volume 18, 2021.