Characterization of core-shell microstructure and self-healing performance of electrospun fiber coatings

Summary

Protective coatings that repair their own cracks can dramatically extend the life of coated metal, and electrospun fibres are an elegant way to store the reactive healing chemistry until it is needed. In this study, core–shell fibres are made by coaxial electrospinning — a poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) shell encapsulating a liquid healing-agent core — and deposited as a coating. Two fibre types are combined: one carrying a PDMS healing agent with a crosslinker, the other carrying a DBTL catalyst. When the coating is mechanically damaged, the fibres rupture and release their cores into the crack, where the components react and crosslink to seal the damage. The authors thoroughly characterise the core–shell microstructure and confirm healing-agent delivery and crosslinking by SEM and infrared spectroscopy. Electrochemical linear-polarization tests in a corrosive environment show the self-healing coating cuts corrosion current sharply, achieving 88% corrosion-inhibition efficiency versus controls.

Authors & Affiliations

• Thu Q. Doan

  Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
• L. Suzanne Leslie

  Dept. of Bioengineering and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
• Sang Yup Kim

  Dept. of Mechanical Science & Engineering and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
• Rohit Bhargava

  Dept. of Bioengineering and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
• Scott R. White

  Dept. of Aerospace Engineering and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
• Nancy R. Sottos Corresponding

  Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering and Beckman Institute, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA

Topics

Materials

Linari Electrospinning Systems