Patent attributes
Photo-protected microcapsules containing a photopolymer composition are dispersed in an epoxy coating to form an autonomic self-healing material. The capsule shell wall is formulated to protect the photopolymer composition from electromagnetic radiation exposure prior to rupture of the capsule shell, so that the photopolymer composition (e.g., a UV curable epoxy resin) remains active until triggered by damage to the capsule shell. Carbon black pigment is a suitable UV protector for the capsules. Upon sufficient damage to a region of the coating, the capsules will rupture and the photopolymer composition will fill and cure in and/or around the damaged region in the presence of electromagnetic radiation, achieving autonomic healing of the damaged coating.
