Self-healing coatings in anti-corrosion applications

Nonmetallic (based on polymers or oxides) and metallic protective coatings are used to protect metal products against the harmful action of the corrosion environment. In recent years, self-healing coatings have been the subject of increasing interest. The ability of such coatings to self-repair local damage caused by external factors is a major factor contributing to their attractiveness. Polymer layers, silica-organic layers, conversion layers, metallic layers and ceramic layers, to mention but a few, are used as self-healing coatings. This paper presents the main kinds of self-healing coatings and explains their self-healing mechanisms.