Self-Healing Coatings Containing Core-Shell Nanofibers with pH-Responsive Performance.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Electrospun nanofibers offer potential as carriers for active healing agents.
• Developing advanced coatings with self-healing capabilities is crucial for extending material lifespan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize pH-sensitive core-shell nanofibers loaded with tannic acid and tung oil.
• To incorporate these nanofibers into an epoxy resin coating for self-healing applications.
• To evaluate the self-healing efficiency and mechanical properties of the modified coating.

Main Methods:

• Coaxial electrospinning to create polyacrylonitrile/tannic acid/tung oil core-shell nanofibers.
• Characterization using SEM, TEM, FTIR, and fluorescence microscopy.
• Mechanical testing and scratch healing analysis under varying pH conditions.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and uniform distribution of core-shell nanofibers confirmed.
• Improved tensile properties of the epoxy coating containing the nanofibers.
• Demonstrated release of healing agents (tannic acid and tung oil) in damaged areas.
• Achieved self-healing rates of 81.6% in acidic and 71.2% in alkaline solutions.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanofibers exhibit pH-sensitive self-healing properties.
• The composite coating effectively heals microcracks, enhancing protective performance.
• Tannic acid and tung oil act synergistically as pH-responsive healing agents.