Redox-responsive self-healing for corrosion protection

Abstract

Raspberry-shaped redox-responsive capsules for storing corrosion inhibitors are introduced, targeted to solve the drawbacks of conducting-polymer-based coating systems for corrosion protection. These capsules synthesized via the miniemulsion technique have a remarkable release property upon reduction (onset of corrosion) and cease release upon reoxidation (passivation of the defect). The self-healing capability is demonstrated by application of these capsules as part of a composite coating on zinc.

Keywords: conducting polymers; galvanized steel; redox responses; scanning kelvin probe; self-healing materials.