Poly(dimethyl siloxane) anti-corrosion coating with wide pH-responsive and self-healing performance based on core−shell nanofiber containers

• Published in: Journal of materials science & technology Vol. 101; pp. 128 - 145
• Main Authors: Ji, Xiaohong, Wang, Wei, Zhao, Xia, Wang, Lifei, Ma, Fubin, Wang, Yanli, Duan, Jizhou, Hou, Baorong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 28.02.2022
• Subjects: Core−shell fibers; Hydrophobic effect; Oleic acid; Self-healing coating; Self-healing coating; Hydrophobic effect; Core−shell fibers; Oleic acid
• ISSN: 1005-0302; 1941-1162
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jmst.2021.06.014

•Hydrophobic core-shell fibers were prepared and added them to the poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) coating.•The maximum self-healing efficiencies of the fiber-PDMS coating in alkaline and acidic solution are 95.96% and 97.04%, respectively.•The hydrophobic effect of fiber-PDMS coating remains above 88.2% before and after abrasion.•The nanofiber network structure ensures the effective release of the healing agent and repeats self-healing.•The C17H33COO− absorbed on the scratch and AVR cured film reach a double repair function. In this research, core−shell electrospun fibers loaded with the shell of cellulose acetate and the core of oleic acid and alkyd varnish resin were synthesized and used within poly(dimethyl siloxane) (PDMS) to prepare self-healing and pH-responsive coatings for a steel substrate. The morphology of the electrospun fibers was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Thermo gravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the self-healing agents were loaded successfully with a loading rate of 2.9%. The properties of the fiber-PDMS composite coating were characterized by water contact angle measurements, mechanical tests, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and scanning Kelvin probe. Results show that the maximum self-healing efficiencies of the fiber-PDMS coating in alkaline and acidic solution are 95.96% and 97.04%, respectively. The composition of the self-healing agents at the damaged part of the coating was verified by an infrared mapping test and using an energy dispersive spectrometer. In addition, the sandpaper abrasion test shows the hydrophobic effect of fiber-PDMS coating remains above 88.2% and decreases slightly through the addition of abrasion cycles. This research can pave the way for the industrial applications of pH-responsive self-healing coatings.