Adaptive Coatings with Anticorrosion and Antibiofouling Properties

Biofouling on surfaces immersed in aquatic environment induces catastrophic corrosion of metallic materials in petrochemical infrastructures, maritime facilities, and power plants. To combat the synergistic effect of biofouling and corrosion on the deterioration of metallic materials, smart coatings possessing a dual function of antibiofouling and anticorrosion properties are needed. Herein, redox-responsive copolymer conjugates are synthesized and employed as coatings with the dual function of biofouling and corrosion mitigation. The dual function of copolymers is attributed to fluorinated units and the corrosion inhibitor 2-mercaptobenzothiazole (MBT) conjugated via disulfide linkages. Indeed, the disulfide linkages can be cleaved in a reducing environment, yielding controlled release of the corrosion inhibitor MBT during corrosion process. The antibiofouling action against protein adsorption and algal attachment is enabled by cooperation of the repellent characteristic of fluorinated moieties and the biocidal effect of conjugated MBT.     

Self-Healing Photochromic Elastomer Composites for Wearable UV-Sensors (Adv. Funct. Mater. 20/2023)

Photochromic materials have recently received strong interest for the development of wearable ultraviolet (UV) detection technologies because they do not require electronic components, resulting in systems and devices that change color upon irradiation. However, their implementation in wearable technology has lightweight, compliance, and durability (especially under mechanical stress) requirements that are limited by the materials’ properties. Here, a self-healing photochromic elastomer composite (photoPUSH) consisting of phosphomolybdic acid (PMA) in a self-healing polyurethane dynamic network with reversible disulfide bonds (PUSH) is presented. The unique properties of the dynamic polymer matrix enable multiple complementary functions in the UV-sensing composite: i) photochromism via electron donor groups without requiring additional dopants, ii) stretchability and durability via elastomeric properties, iii) healing of extreme mechanical damage via dynamic bonds, and iv) multimaterial integration via adhesive properties. PhotoPUSH composites exhibit excellent durability, tunable sensing range, and no loss of performance under mechanical stress and severe damage, as well as in underwater environments (waterproof). Leveraging these properties, soft, portable, multimaterial photoPUSH-based UV-sensing devices are developed for applications in environmental monitoring, packaging, and healthcare wearable technology (including skin-mounted, textile-mounted, and wristband devices) in challenging environments and tunable to different skin types.