Thermally Mendable Self-Healing Epoxy Coating for Corrosion Protection in Marine Environments

Abstract

Polymeric coatings represent a well-established protection system that provides a barrier between a metallic substrate and the environment. The development of a smart organic coating for the protection of metallic structures in marine and offshore applications is a challenge. In the present study, we investigated the use of self-healing epoxy as an organic coating suitable for metallic substrates. The self-healing epoxy was obtained by mixing Diels–Alder (D–A) adducts with a commercial diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A (DGEBA) monomer. The resin recovery feature was assessed through morphological observation, spectroscopic analysis, and mechanical and nanoindentation tests. Barrier properties and anti-corrosion performance were evaluated through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The film on a metallic substrate was scratched and subsequently repaired using proper thermal treatment. The morphological and structural analysis confirmed that the coating restored its pristine properties. In the EIS analysis, the repaired coating exhibited diffusive properties similar to the pristine material, with a diffusivity coefficient of 1.6 × 10−6 cm2/s (undamaged system 3.1 × 10−6 cm2/s), confirming the restoration of the polymeric structure. These results reveal that a good morphological and mechanical recovery was achieved, suggesting very promising applications in the field of corrosion-resistant protective coatings and adhesives.