More Self-Healing Paint from Polymers

A team of chemistry specialists from the Warwick University has obtained a novel material that has an extremely high versatility and can be produced on a large scale with existing equipment. Their material is made up of tiny polymer particles covered by silica-based nanoparticle layers, and the end result can be used in order to develop new types of self-healing paints, as well as special packaging that would allow for an air or water (or both) amount to pass through in a specified direction.

The research was conducted by Dr. Stefan Bon from the Department of Chemistry at the University of Warwick. The experts managed to devise a “soap free emulsion polymerization process” which led to the discovery of the material, as colloid particles of polymer were dispersed in water and coated by a “battering” layer of silica nanoparticles (with a size of approximately 25 nanometers). The polymer latex which results can be successfully used in the process of developing self-healing paints that would quickly cover potential scratches.

 

This could prove to be a viable alternative in time for the recent Japanese discovery of a similar self-healing paint, based on a specially-treated, translucent, synthetic resin, that has a high density. Another use for the Warwick University's material could rely on its capabilities to allow for certain amounts of air or water to pass, with an obvious potential for package-manufacturing industries.

 

The acrimoniously-textured spherical shapes of the polymer material resulting in the process also prove to yield a larger surface that provides a more effective interaction with and reported to other materials. Another layer of polymers added on the surface of the material increased its versatility even further. Potentially interested purchasers will also be pleased to know that the manufacturing process for this material doesn't cost much and is easily possible by using already existing technology and equipment.