The shape-memory epoxy (SME) mixed
with 10 wt % polycaprolactone
(PCL) microspheres containing 5% cerium(III) nitrate (Ce(NO
3
)
3
) (PCL5Ce) was coated on an aluminum plate 2024-T3 to
investigate the self-healing property. The coating was scratched and
heated at 80 °C for 30 min to activate the self-healing mechanism
and compare with a nonscratched coating. Surface morphology was investigated
by scanning electron microscopy. The scratch was completely healed
by the PCL5Ce via a thermally assisted self-healing process. Based
on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, the postheated scratched
coating had shown impedance values close to the nonscratched coating,
which indicated that corrosion resistivity was restored. Ce(NO
3
)
3
content at the scratched area was analyzed by
focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy. The scratch
width was healed and filled with Ce(NO
3
)
3
. Therefore,
PCL5Ce is capable of being used as an enhancing additive for the self-healing
performance in SME coating.
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