UI Invents Self-healing Paint

Researchers in the College of Engineering have recently published a paper outlining a self-healing coasting they have invented.

To make self-repairing coatings, the researchers first encapsulate a catalyst into spheres less than 100 microns in diameter (a micron is 1 millionth of a meter). They also encapsulate a healing agent into similarly sized microcapsules. The microcapsules are then dispersed within the desired coating material and applied to the substrate.

So when the surface of the coating is scratched, the catalyst and healing agent combine and repair the damage.

Now this is cool.

Full Story: New polymer coatings prevent corrosion, even when scratched