Extrinsic Conditions for the Occurrence and Characterizations of Self-Healing Polyurea Coatings for Improved Medical Device Reliability: A Mini Review

Abstract

The development of self-healing materials has gained significance in the medical field to enhance the longevity and reliability of medical devices and implants. Material degradation caused by mechanical stress, environmental factors, and damage during use can lead to failure and necessitate manual inspection and maintenance. Self-healing materials, including polymers and elastomers, offer a promising solution by activating microdamage repair mechanisms. Polyurea coatings, known for their durability, flexibility, and versatility, have found widespread applications in various industries to prevent corrosion and abrasion and impact damage. This review focuses on the self-healing capability of polyurethane coatings and the efficacy of fabricated microcapsules. Experimental results elucidate the necessary conditions for achieving self-healing in polyurethane coatings encapsulated with suitable healing agents. These factors directly impact the self-healing potential of polyurea coatings and provide insights for medical device manufacturers seeking optimal coatings. The report also discusses challenges in fabrication and sample preparation, along with limitations of the project and recommendations for future research.