Biomimetics: A Versatile Approach towards Multifunctional Robust Microcapsules with Tunable, Restorable, and Solvent-Proof Superhydrophobicity for Self-Healing and Self-Cleaning Coatings (Adv. Funct. Mater. 43/2014)

Multifunctional superhydrophobic polymeric microcapsules with lotus-leaf-like hierarchical surface structure and moisture-sensitive core are prepared by J. Yang and team on page 6751 by a facile and versatile strategy. The microcapsules exhibit superior shell tightness against solvents and heat, and possess widely tunable, repetitiously self-restorable, and solvent-proof superhydrophobicity. By incorporating these microcapsules in coating matrix, a biomimetic smart coating is developed, seamlessly combining self-healing and self-cleaning functionalities for anticorrosion and antifouling applications.