Preparation and corrosion resistance of shape memory self-healing coatings responsive to near-infrared light

Abstract

In this study, a near-infrared light-responsive shape memory self-healing coating was prepared using epoxy resin (EP) and GO-PCL/PPy polymer composite as the shape memory matrix and photothermal conversion polymer agent, respectively. Special attention was paid to self-healing performance and corrosion resistance of the coating. The results indicated that the optimal performance of polypyrrole was achieved at the surfactant-pyrrole ratio of 2:1 and the polymerization time of 5 h. The incorporation of GO-PCL/PPy polymer into epoxy composite led to an increase in thermal conductivity of the whole coating. Additionally, the best photothermal conversion effect on epoxy resin was observed at the polymer content of 7 wt%, resulting in a shape recovery rate of 66.67% for the composite material. Moreover, the coating demonstrated the outstanding self-healing performance with a scratch-healing efficiency of up to 80%. Finally, the corrosion resistance of the coating was significantly improved compared to pure epoxy coatings.