Self‐Healing Hybrid Composites Based on a Polyurethane Polymeric Matrix With Cerium Oxide and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

Significant advances are being made in the development of self‐healing polymers; however, most studies focus on thermally induced repair mechanisms or on encapsulating repair agents within the polymer matrix. This research explores a novel self‐healing hybrid polymer coating incorporating cerium oxide (CeONP) and zinc oxide (ZnONP) nanoparticles into a polymer matrix (with β‐cyclodextrin). The nanoparticles enhance the material's mechanical and self‐repairing properties. The nanoparticles, polymer matrix, and composites are characterized using XRD, SEM, XPS, and NMR techniques. Properties such as adhesion (5B adhesion for all systems), density, and contact angle are evaluated in accordance with ASTM standards. Shape recovery under UV light and the behavior of the composite are investigated after mechanical deformation and exposure to saturated NaCl medium. Notably, WPU containing 0.5% CeONP exhibits enhanced corrosion resistance, with electrochemical impedance increasing from 3.71 kΩ·cm 2 post‐corrosion to 16.38 kΩ·cm 2 after 3 h of UV treatment (the originally set value is 16.61 kΩ·cm 2 , corresponding to 98.6% recovery). The self‐healing ability is evaluated under UV exposure, showing an impedance recovery of up to 80% in the presence of β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) and nanoparticles, attributed to hydrogen‐bonding interactions. This study presents UV‐induced self‐healing coatings with strong potential for durable, corrosion‐resistant industrial applications.