Fraunhofer IFAM develops self-healing coatings to prevent corrosion

The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (Fraunhofer IFAM) in Germany is developing self-healing coatings designed to repair small damages and mitigate corrosion. This technology is particularly aimed at sectors operating under harsh conditions, such as the maritime industry, wind energy, and various exposed infrastructures.

In maritime environments, even minor cracks in a coating can allow moisture, oxygen, and salt to reach the underlying metal, initiating corrosion that threatens structural integrity. To combat this, researchers are testing two primary strategies: incorporating repairing agents within microcapsules or modifying the polymer structure itself so the material can partially recover its properties after sustaining damage like scratches or micro-fissures.