Shape Memory Assisted Self-Healing Coating

In this communication, we report the preparation and characterization of new shape memory assisted self-healing (SMASH) coatings. The coatings feature a phase-separated morphology with electrospun thermoplastic poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fibers randomly distributed in a shape memory epoxy matrix. Mechanical damage to the coating can be self-healed via heating, which simultaneously triggers two events: (1) the shape recovery of the matrix to bring the crack surfaces in spatial proximity, and (2) the melting and flow of the PCL fibers to rebond the crack. In controlled healing experiments, damaged coatings not only heal structurally, but also functionally by almost completely restoring the corrosion resistance. We envision the wide applicability of the SMASH concept in designing the next-generation self-healing materials.