Research & Development

Damage Self-warning and Self-healing Anticorrosive Coating Based on Dual-component Microcapsules

  • XUE T ,
  • SUN C ,
  • CHENG L ,
  • et al
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  • 1. Shandong Key Laboratory for Special Epoxy Resin,College of Materials Science and Engineering,Shandong University of Science and Technology,Qingdao,Shandong 266590,China;

    2. College of Polymer Science and Engineering,Qingdao University of Science and Technology,Qingdao,Shandong 266042,China

Online published: 2025-09-01

Abstract

[Objective] The traditional anticorrosive coatings are prone to damage and failureunder harsh environments. To address this issue,a dual-functional anticorrosive coating integrating damage-visualized self-warning and self-repairing capabilities was designed.[Methods] Ethyl cellulose core-shell microcapsules encapsulating the warning agent(fluorescein sodium)and repairing agent(linseed oil)were successfully prepared via the solvent evaporation method. These microcapsuleswere then incorporated into epoxy resin to create a composite coating with autonomous damage warningand repairing functions. When subjected to mechanical damage,the embedded microcapsule shells rupture under the effect of stress concentration. Based on the aggregation-induced fluorescence quenching effect,the released fluorescein sodium emits yellow-green fluorescence in the damaged areas due to the decrease in concentration in the humid environment. Simultaneously,a dense repair layer is formed at the scratch through oxidative crosslinking of the released linseed oil.[Results]SEM characterization confirmed the distinct core-shell structures in the microcapsules,ensuring theencapsulation of functional agents. Fluorescence spectroscopy results revealed a 60% intensity increasein damaged regions compared to intact zones. Scratch tests demonstrated that a 14 μm-wide scratch inthe composite coating could be completely closed within 1 hour. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS) showed that the composite coating maintained an impedance modulus of 
3. 15×109Ω ·cm2 after 75 days' immersion in 3. 5%NaCl solution,confirming long-term corrosion resistance.[Conclusion] This research establishes an integrated anti-corrosion coating featuring “damage sensing,visual warning,and in-situ repair”. This coating demonstrates significant potentialfor practical deployment in corrosion protection for metal equipment and real-time health monitoringunder demanding service environments such as ships,bridges,and offshore platforms. 

Cite this article

XUE T , SUN C , CHENG L , et al . Damage Self-warning and Self-healing Anticorrosive Coating Based on Dual-component Microcapsules[J]. Paint & Coatings Industry, 2025 , 55(9) : 7 -13 . DOI: 10.12020/j.issn.0253-4312.2025-163

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