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Fluorescence Detection of Microcapsule-Type Self-Healing, Based on Aggregation-Induced Emission
Young Kyu Song1, Beomjin Kim1, Tae Hee Lee1,2
1Research Center for Green Fine Chemicals, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Ulsan, 44412, Republic of Korea.
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
|February 8, 2017
Summary
This study developed a self-healing coating using microcapsules with tetraphenylethylene (TPE). The coating shows fluorescence changes during healing, enabling visual monitoring of the self-repair process.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Self-healing materials offer extended service life and reduced maintenance.
- Monitoring the healing process in real-time is crucial for assessing material integrity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an extrinsic self-healing coating system incorporating tetraphenylethylene (TPE).
- To utilize aggregation-induced emission (AIE) for monitoring the self-healing process.
Main Methods:
- Microencapsulation of a healing agent (polydimethylsiloxane, styrene, benzoin isobutyl ether, TPE) within a urea-formaldehyde shell.
- Photocuring and measurement of photoluminescence and storage modulus.
- Scratch testing to induce damage and observe fluorescence recovery.
Main Results:
- Photocuring led to a significant increase in blue emission intensity and storage modulus (up to 10^5 Pa).
- Fluorescence emission was observed in scribed regions during the healing process, indicating successful repair.
- The AIE fluorescence served as a visual indicator of the self-healing activity.
Conclusions:
- The developed TPE-containing microcapsule system demonstrates effective extrinsic self-healing capabilities.
- Aggregation-induced emission (AIE) provides a reliable method for real-time monitoring of the self-healing process in coatings.
