Nanotechnology and Self Healing Mechanisms

14 June 2007

Researchers in Nanotechnology are one step closer to creating so-called “self healing” mechanisms, using particles known as nanocontainers to produce the desired results. These nanocontainers can release active materials that can effect repairs on exteriors, paving the way for the development of products such as self-repairing coatings for use in automotive and other industries.

These coatings contain both active and passive properties. The passive properties come from so-called matrix material, while the active properties stem from the ability of the coating to respond to changes in the external environment or changes in the passive material. The coatings will then release the active material which will effect repairs to the coating.

This nanocontainer approach is only the most recent of several “smart” coating technologies. However, prior approaches involved mixing the passive and active material in alternating layers. This approach suffers from significant defects, such as the propensity of leakage from the active material into the passive layer.

The nanocontainers are much more stable, by contrast; they are basically flexible shell structures that hold the active material, such as a lubricant, and keep it securely away from the passive matrix thus eliminating the possibility of leakage. Environmental impact or other significant external stress will trigger a release of the active material.

Researchers envision short-term applications such as self-repairing anticorrosion lubricants in automobiles. These composite coatings can effect repairs in cracks on the surface material. The trigger for these kinds of active agents to be released would be the onset of corrosion. This is only one of several possible applications. Continuing research into nanocontainers will need to be explored before the technology can be exploited to its fullest.

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