Antibacterial self‐healing anticorrosion coatings from single capsule system

Abstract

AbstractIt is highly desirable to develop self‐healing anticorrosion coatings with enhanced antibacterial function to prevent the scratched area to be fouled or corroded in harsh environments. Herein, we report antibacterial self‐healing anticorrosion coatings via the simple incorporation of the easily synthesized single polymer microcapsule system. Well‐defined polymer microcapsules containing isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) as a healing agent and 4,5‐dichloro‐2‐n‐octyl‐4‐isothiazolin‐3‐one (DCOIT) as antibacterial molecules were synthesized by one‐pot polymerization. The diameter and core fraction were around 30 μm and 90%, respectively. The active DCOIT content in the core material could be precisely controlled by adjusting the DCOIT/IPDI feeding ratio. The DCOIT/IPDI microcapsules‐embedded protective coating exhibits an adaptive self‐healing anticorrosion property, as shown by electrochemical test under the condition of the salt‐water immersion. Furthermore, the self‐healing coating showed efficient antibacterial function against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which is due to the released active biocide molecules on the damaged surfaces. In contrast to other systems, this single capsule system without any catalyst is perspective for extending the service time of the antibacterial self‐healing materials in harsh environment.