Self Healing Automotive Coatings
Vehicle coatings face continuous exposure to mechanical damage, UV radiation, and chemical attack that can compromise both aesthetics and protection. Current automotive clear coats experience microcracking at depths of 2-10 microns, while stone chips and scratches can penetrate up to 100 microns through multiple coating layers, creating pathways for moisture infiltration and corrosion.
The fundamental challenge lies in developing coating systems that can autonomously detect and repair damage while maintaining the mechanical properties and appearance standards required for automotive applications.
This page brings together solutions from recent research—including double-layer composite microcapsules with phase-change cores, ion-responsive microsphere systems, and polyurethane matrices with encapsulated graphene oxide particles. These and other approaches focus on achieving rapid healing responses while preserving long-term durability and aesthetic qualities in real-world automotive environments.
1. Double-Layer Composite Microcapsule with Phase Change Core and Self-Repairing Shell Structure
HARBIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2025
Double-layer composite microcapsule with self-repairing, high energy storage, and ice and snow resistance. The microcapsule comprises an inner phase change microcapsule core, an inner phase change microcapsule shell, an outer self-repairing microcapsule core, and an outer self-repairing microcapsule shell from the inside to the outside. The double-layer structure enables the phase change microcapsule to store heat while the outer self-repairing shell maintains its integrity, providing continuous performance across weather conditions.
2. Coating Material with Embedded Repair Core Layer for High-Temperature Self-Healing
HUZHOU UNIVERSITY, 2025
High-temperature self-healing coating material with self-repairing properties for industrial applications. The material comprises a base coating layer, a repair core layer, and a topcoat layer. The repair core layer is composed of a thermosetting resin, ceramic particles, and a dispersant, which are mixed and cured to form a repair core material. The repair core material is dispersed throughout the base coating layer, enabling self-healing of micro-cracks and defects when exposed to high temperatures. The topcoat layer provides additional protection against environmental degradation.
3. Glass Powder with Nanoparticle-Reinforced Matrix and Encapsulated Self-Healing Microcapsules
JIANGSU HONGPU ELECTRONIC MATERIAL TECH CO LTD, 2024
Low-temperature sealing glass powder with self-healing properties for electronic packaging applications. The powder comprises a glass matrix reinforced with nanoparticles (e.g., SiO2 and Al2O3) and encapsulated microcapsules containing a repairing agent. The microcapsules rupture upon mechanical stress to release the agent, which flows through the glass matrix and restores microcracks, ensuring sealing integrity at temperatures below 450°C. The microcapsules are prepared from a polymer shell with a core of self-healing material. The glass powder exhibits enhanced mechanical properties and self-healing functionality.
4. Coating with Ion-Responsive Microsphere-Infused Crosslinked Resin Layer for Self-Healing and Enhanced Durability
JIAFENGSHENG PRECISION ELECTRONIC TECH XIAOGAN CO LTD, 2023
Vehicle self-healing coating with improved repair efficiency and durability. The coating contains a middle layer between the primer and topcoat that provides self-healing capability. The middle layer has a network structure from crosslinked resins. The resin contains ion-responsive microspheres that release corrosion inhibitors when exposed to ions in the environment. The microspheres have tertiary amine groups that protonate in acidic environments and ester groups that hydrolyze in basic environments. This causes chain relaxation and release of corrosion inhibitors. The microspheres also have epoxy groups that crosslink with the resin matrix. This improves coating properties like adhesion, impact resistance, and water resistance.
5. Self-Repairing Car Covering Structure with Microsphere-Activated Fluid Release and UV-Resistant Base Film
ZHONGSHAN JESIDA FINE CHEMICALS CO LTD, Zhongshan Jesida Fine Chemical Co., Ltd., 2023
A self-repairing car covering structure that combines a UV release film, a self-healing coating film, a base film, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and a silicone oil release film. The structure features a self-healing coating layer with microspheres that release a self-healing fluid when damaged, which flows through channels to accelerate repair. The coating layer is supported by a UV-resistant base film, pressure-sensitive adhesive layer, and silicone oil release film. This integrated design enables continuous self-repair through the controlled release of the self-healing fluid.
6. Polyurethane Matrix with Microencapsulated Graphene Oxide for Enhanced Mechanical and Barrier Properties
Jiangsu Tuyan New Material Technology Co., Ltd., JIANGSU TUYAN NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, 2023
High-barrier polyurethane self-repairing composition comprising a polyurethane matrix with microencapsulated graphene oxide particles. The composition contains a polyisocyanate component, polyol component, chain extender, graphene oxide particles, anti-aging additive, talcum powder, and catalyst. The graphene oxide particles are dispersed uniformly throughout the polyurethane matrix to enhance its mechanical properties and barrier performance, while the anti-aging additive and catalyst ensure the material's durability and resistance to environmental degradation.
7. Self-Healing Coating with Fluorinated Carbon-Based Hydrophobic Fillers in Polymer Matrix
TIANJIN UNIVERSITY, 2022
Self-healing anti-icing coating that maintains ice-repelling performance after damage, particularly in extreme environments. The coating comprises a self-healing polymer matrix and a hydrophobic filler, specifically fluorinated carbon-based materials, which are dispersed in the polymer solution. The coating demonstrates excellent ice-repelling properties, with a shear strength of 110 kPa, but can self-heal at room temperature to restore its anti-icing performance after damage.
8. Paint Coating with Photothermal and Thermoplastic Phase Change Materials for Autonomous Microcrack Repair
SUN YAT-SEN UNIVERSITY, 2021
A self-healing paint that utilizes a photothermal material and thermoplastic phase change material to achieve rapid repair of organic coatings exposed to environmental stressors like high temperatures, humidity, and salt. The coating comprises an organic resin matrix, a photothermal material, and a thermoplastic phase change material, which are combined in a specific ratio to create a photothermal self-healing system. When exposed to sunlight, the photothermal material generates heat that initiates a phase change reaction in the thermoplastic material, leading to the formation of a protective barrier that prevents further environmental degradation. This self-healing capability enables the coating to repair microcracks autonomously, reducing maintenance needs and extending the lifespan of marine equipment.
9. Microcapsule-Embedded Polymer Coating with Self-Healing Phase Change Material for Temperature Regulation
JIANGSU KUMOIL NEW MATERIAL TECHNOLOGY CO LTD, Jiangsu Kemi New Material Technology Co., Ltd., 2021
A self-healing temperature-regulating coating that maintains its temperature control properties over time. The coating comprises a microcapsule-based phase change material (PCM) dispersed in a water-based polymer matrix. The microcapsules contain a phase change substance that absorbs and releases heat to regulate surface temperature, while the polymer matrix provides structural integrity and durability. The microcapsules maintain their integrity and functionality through a self-healing mechanism that prevents leakage and degradation over time, enabling sustained temperature control without external energy input.
10. Multilayer Polyurethane Film with Self-Healing Coating and Heat Insulation Layer
ZHEJIANG SHICHUANG OPTICS FILM MFT CO LTD, 2021
Self-healing polyurethane heat insulation film for automotive applications, comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) film layer, a heat insulation layer, and a self-healing coating in sequence. The TPU film layer is formulated with 10-20 parts TPU masterbatch and 0.1-0.2 parts modified nano antimony oxide. The heat insulation layer is composed of bismuth trioxide powder, dispersant, photoinitiator, urethane acrylate, perfluorooctyl ester, perfluorooctyl acrylate, hollow glass beads, and crosslinking agent. The self-healing coating is applied using a radial coating process.
11. Composite Coating with Thermally Activated Biodegradable Microspheres for Self-Healing
北京科技大学, UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BEIJING, 2020
Thermally responsive composite self-healing coating that can autonomously repair itself when heated. The coating contains microspheres made of biodegradable polymer, surfactant, epoxy resin, epoxy curing agent, and corrosion inhibitors. The microspheres have a higher concentration compared to the corrosion inhibitors. This allows the microspheres to migrate and fill cracks when the coating is heated, sealing the damage and preventing further corrosion. The biodegradable microspheres are made of polycaprolactone with a shell of PLA.
12. Polymeric Coatings with Encapsulated Flowable Core and Corrosion-Sensing Shell
BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, 2020
Self-healing polymeric coatings that combine a flowable core material with a polymer shell encapsulating the core, and a corrosion sensing functional group on the shell. The self-healing core material flows into cracks upon fracture, while the polymer shell ruptures upon failure, allowing the flow of the core material to repair the crack. The corrosion sensing functional group on the shell creates a stress response that triggers the rupture of the shell, enabling the flow of the core material to repair the crack.
13. Epoxy Coatings with Hollow Microcapsules Containing Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Amine and Polyfunctional Amine Activator
FUNDACAO UNIV DO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA, 2019
Self-healing epoxy coatings that can repair cracks and extend lifespan. The coatings contain hollow microcapsules filled with a healing agent, a poly(dimethylsiloxane) amine, and an activator, a polyfunctional amine like triethylenetetramine. When a crack occurs in the coating, the capsules release the healing agent and activator which react to form a new polymer that seals the crack.
14. Polymer Coating with Reversible Covalent Bonding Comprising Dopamine Methacrylamide and Methacryloxypropyl Polydimethylsiloxane
UNIV BEIJING SCIENCE & TECH, 2019
Thermally responsive polymer self-healing coating with enhanced corrosion protection through reversible molecular bonding. The coating comprises a polymer matrix comprising dopamine methacrylamide (DMA) and methacryloxypropyl polydimethylsiloxane (SiMa) with molecular weights of 800-1000, which undergoes reversible covalent bonding upon thermal treatment. The coating exhibits self-healing properties in both water and dry environments, enabling early detection and repair of microcracks through reversible molecular bonding.
15. Composite Coating with Microcapsules for Corrosion Inhibition and Self-Healing
QINGDAO CAMPUS OF NAVAL AVIATION UNIVERSITY, 2019
Self-healing intelligent composite coating for preventing corrosion of metal surfaces. The coating contains microcapsules that release corrosion inhibitors when scratched to heal the metal surface. It also has microcapsules with self-heating agents that accelerate crack repair. The microcapsules are mixed with a shape memory film-forming material to blend uniformly. The coating prevents corrosion by releasing corrosion inhibitors when scratched, forming a passivation layer between the metal and the coating. The microcapsules also contain self-heating agents to speed up crack repair.
16. Self-Healing Composite with Melamine-Formaldehyde Microcapsules Containing TMPTMA and Metal Bromide Catalysts
UNIV KAGOSHIMA, 2017
Self-healing material and microcapsules for use in coatings and composites that can repair damage like microcracks without needing external intervention. The material contains microcapsules made of melamine-formaldehyde resin with trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) as the healing agent. The microcapsules also have catalysts like cobalt bromide and copper bromide inside. When damage occurs, the microcapsules burst and the TMPTMA flows out to polymerize and fill the crack with the catalysts present. This prevents further damage spread. The melamine-formaldehyde resin provides a balance of mechanical strength and fragility for the microcapsules, and the catalysts are stable over time.
17. Coating Material with Microcapsules Containing Solvent-Activated Gelator for Viscoelastic Self-Healing
UNIVERSITY INDUSTRY FOUNDATION YONSEI UNIVERSITY WONJU CAMPUS, 2017
Self-healing coating material that prevents secondary damage propagation when the coating is damaged. The coating contains microcapsules filled with a healing material. When the coating is damaged, the microcapsules break and the healing material flows into the gap. It then converts into a viscoelastic material that seals the damage. The healing material contains a gelator, a high boiling solvent, and a low boiling solvent. The high boiling solvent evaporates from the damaged area as the low boiling solvent converts the gelator into a viscoelastic material. This prevents further damage propagation. The microcapsules are dispersed in a matrix-forming polymer.
18. Shape Memory Composite Coating with Thermally Responsive Polymer Matrix and Meltable Filler Particles
UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY BEIJING, 2017
Thermal-responsive shape memory composite self-repair coating that enables self-repairing through controlled thermal response. The coating comprises a thermally responsive polymer matrix with integrated meltable filler particles, where the filler particles can be melted at specific temperatures to fill defects and seal them. The coating's shape memory properties allow it to close defects at ambient temperatures, enabling rapid repair through thermal stimulation. This self-repairing mechanism can be achieved through temperature-dependent glass transition temperature (Tg) control and filler particle melting points, providing a durable and efficient repair solution for coatings.
19. Coating Composition with Nanocontainers for Self-Healing Polymer Blends
EMPIRE TECHNOLOGY DEV LLC, 2015
Coatings with self-healing properties that incorporate nanocontainers containing corrosion inhibitors. The coatings contain a polymer blend of at least a first polymer and a second polymer, and at least one nanocontainer configured to store at least one self-healing agent. The nanocontainers can be at least partially mixed with the polymer blend. This self-healing mechanism enables the coatings to recover from damage through controlled release of corrosion inhibitors, thereby preventing further corrosion.
20. Shape-Memory Polymers with Reversible Diels-Alder Cross-Linking for Self-Healing Through Thermal Activation
UNIV FLORIDA, 2015
Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) that exhibit self-healing properties through reversible bonds. These polymers are cross-linked to form a network that can repair micro-cracks through localized thermal activation. The reversible bonds enable local deformation without permanent cross-linking, allowing the material to recover its original shape upon heating. The self-healing mechanism is achieved through a Diels-Alder (DA) cycloaddition reaction that forms a cross-linking adduct, which is then cleaved upon thermal activation. This process enables the material to repair micro-cracks without the need for external mechanical force. The DA reaction is a concerted reaction that does not require additional catalysts, and the cross-linking sites are not DA adducts. The resulting SMPs exhibit improved mechanical properties compared to conventional self-healing materials.
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