University of Illinois

Wenle Li

Scott R White

Nancy R Sottos

Christopher C Matthews

Jeffrey S Moore

Maxwell J Robb

Autonomous detection of damage in a polymer coating is described by utilizing microcapsules in a polymer coating having free and/or residual amines. The microcapsules contain a color indicator, such as 2',7&#x2032;-dichlorofluorescein (DCF), bromophenol blue (BPB) or fluorescamine, which is reactive with the free and/or residual amines present in the polymer coating. For coatings without the presence of free and/or residual amines, a color indicator microcapsule can be combined with a second type of microcapsule filled with a base. When sufficient damage is inflicted to the coating, the microcapsules in and/or around an area of the damage will rupture, and the color indicator will react with the free and/or residual amines or the base to autonomically indicate the area in which the coating has been damaged.

Autonomic damage indication in coatings

An autonomic self-indicating material is provided, the material comprising a polymer composition or a composite material embedded with a microcapsule or a vascular structure comprising an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen. Upon mechanical damage to the material, the luminogen is released and aggregates, leading to fluorescence.

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Urbana, IL, United States of America

Wenle Li