Soonyoung Choi‡
a,
Gyeong Eun Kim‡a,
Hyoungeun Bae‡a,
Su Jeong Choi
a,
Ji-Eun Jeonga,
Jin Chul Kim
a,
Hanah Naa,
Hyocheol Jung
*a,
Yu Jin Jung*a,
Sang-Ho Lee
*ab and
Young Il Park
*a
aCenter for Advanced Specialty Chemicals, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Ulsan, 44412, Republic of Korea. E-mail: hjung@krict.re.kr; yjjung@krict.re.kr; slee@krict.re.kr; ypark@krict.re.kr
bDepartment of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, 04620, Republic of Korea
First published on 2nd April 2024
Self-reporting systems automatically indicate damaged or corroded surfaces via color changes or fluorescence. In this study, a novel reusable self-reporting system is developed by exploiting the reversibility of a donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct (DASA). The synthesized DASA precursor exhibits a color change when damaged upon reaction with diethylamine, and returns to its colorless form upon irradiation with visible light. Microcapsules are synthesized with a core comprising styrene and the DASA precursor, along with a shell formed of urea and formaldehyde. The optimal particle size and shell thickness of the microcapsules are 225 μm and 0.17 μm, respectively. The DASA precursor-containing microcapsules are embedded in a PEG gel matrix with secondary amine groups. This coating system, initially colorless, exhibits a color change, becoming pink after being damaged by scratching due to the reaction between the DASA precursor released from ruptured microcapsules with the secondary amine groups of the PEG gel, thus demonstrating self-reporting characteristics. Furthermore, the colored surface is restored to its initial colorless state by irradiation with visible light for 1.5 hours, demonstrating the reusability of the self-reporting system.
Self-reporting systems are especially noteworthy. Their primary function is to autonomously indicate the presence of damage or corrosion on a surface. This is often achieved through a visual change, such as a shift in color or the emission of fluorescence, alerting maintenance personnel to the need for timely repairs. This feature is crucial in preventing minor damage from escalating into major, potentially catastrophic failures. To implement autonomous reporting of damages, a variety of self-reporting technologies have been explored and developed. These include embedding microcapsules,6,7 mechanophores,8,9 specialized fibers,10,11 and sensor molecules12,13 in polymer matrices. Each of these technologies offers unique benefits and challenges in the detection and visualization of damage.
Dye-filled microcapsules are a prominent example of such technologies. Their straightforward approach to damage detection allows for the easy visualization of harm without requiring complex, specialized equipment.14 This simplicity makes them particularly appealing for widespread application. Various types of dyes have been utilized in these microcapsules, including polyacetylene,15 xanthene,14 tetraphenylethylene (TPE),16 and phenanthroline derivatives.17 These dyes act as indicators, changing color to signal damage. However, a significant limitation of these systems is their one-time use nature. Once they signal damage by changing color, they cannot revert to their original state, which restricts their long-term applicability and increases maintenance costs.
In response to this limitation, researchers have been investigating coating systems that not only display a color change to report damage but can also return to their original color, enhancing the reusability and functionality of self-reporting technologies. For instance, Hu et al. reported the development of a color-detectable self-reporting nanocapsule-based system that uses crystal violet lactone as an indicator. While innovative, this system requires the introduction of additional decoloring chemical agents, such as ethanol, diethylenetriamine, and multivalent alkynes,18 to revert to its original state. Similarly, Jung et al. introduced a reusable damage-detection and self-healing system based on the Diels–Alder reaction using spiropyran. This system, though a step forward, necessitates the application of high temperatures (approximately 120 °C) directly to the damaged surface to restore it to its initial state.19
These developments, while indicative of significant progress, underscore the ongoing challenges in the field of smart coatings. The ideal self-reporting system remains elusive one that is not only effective in signaling damage but also capable of multiple cycles of reporting and self-repair, all while being environmentally sustainable and cost-effective. The pursuit of such a system continues to drive research, opening up new frontiers in materials science. The potential applications of such advanced coatings are vast, ranging from aerospace and automotive industries to consumer electronics and infrastructure. The development of more efficient, durable, and reusable smart coatings could have far-reaching implications, leading to safer, more sustainable, and longer-lasting products and structures.
This ongoing quest for innovation in smart coating technologies is fueled by the increasing demand for materials that can withstand harsher environments, more intense usage, and longer lifespans. Researchers and industry experts are continually exploring new materials, chemical formulations, and nanotechnology applications to achieve these goals. The future of smart coatings looks promising, with the potential to revolutionize how we protect, maintain, and extend the life of a myriad of products and structures in our daily lives. As this field continues to evolve, it holds the promise of not only addressing the current limitations but also opening up new possibilities for protecting and preserving the world around us in more intelligent and efficient ways.
In this comprehensive study, we have successfully developed and demonstrated a cutting-edge, microcapsule-based reusable self-reporting coating system. This system, as depicted in Fig. 1, innovatively employs a donor–acceptor Stenhouse adduct (DASA) as its dye component. The unique attribute of this DASA dye is its ability to undergo reversible color changes when subjected to external stimuli, such as thermal energy or light irradiation.20 This feature is pivotal, as it ensures the reusability of the self-reporting coating, a significant advancement over previous technologies.
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Fig. 1 Schematic illustration of the microcapsule-based reusable self-reporting system using the DASA dye. |
The design of these microcapsules is intricate. At their core, they contain styrene along with the DASA precursor, which acts as the indicating agent.21–24 This combination is crucial for the function of the microcapsules, as the DASA precursor is the component that undergoes a color change in response to damage. The shell of the microcapsules is composed of a blend of urea and formaldehyde. This composition is carefully selected to provide optimal protection and stability to the core components. Additionally, the shell thickness plays a critical role in the overall performance of the microcapsules. It is meticulously optimized by varying the amount of poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (PEMA), which is used to enhance the microcapsules' stability under various extrinsic forces. Incorporated into this system is a polyethylene glycol (PEG) gel, selected for its reactive properties with the DASA precursor. This gel is infused with secondary amine groups, which are essential for the interaction with the DASA precursor. When the coating surface is compromised, such as by a scratch, the DASA precursor is released from the microcapsules. Upon release, it reacts with the PEG gel, triggering a color change from colorless to pink. This color change serves as a clear and immediate indication of damage, fulfilling the self-reporting function of the coating.
Remarkably, the innovation of this system doesn't stop with damage detection. The true novelty lies in its ability to revert to its original state. Upon exposure to light irradiation for a duration of 1.5 hours, the colored surface transitions back to its original, colorless state. This reversible behavior is a significant improvement over traditional systems, which either require additional decoloring agents or do not revert at all. In this comprehensive study, we have successfully developed and demonstrated a cutting-edge, microcapsule-based reusable self-reporting coating system. This system, as depicted in Fig. 1, innovatively employs a DASA as its dye component. The unique attribute of this DASA dye is its ability to undergo reversible color changes when subjected to external stimuli, such as thermal energy or light irradiation. This feature is pivotal, as it ensures the reusability of the self-reporting coating, a significant advancement over previous technologies.
Overall encapsulation yield
According to the weight ratio of styrene:
DASA = 220.61
:
1, DASA = 0.30%
ΔHfus(capsule-styrene) = 25.82 J g−1 |
ΔHfus(styrene) = 10.96 kJ mol−1 = 38.55 J g−1 |
To confirm the reversible nature of linear DASA, comprehensive analyses were performed using UV-visible (UV-vis) absorption spectroscopy after subjecting the substance to heat treatment and visible light irradiation while in a solution state. Detailed in Fig. 3, this process illuminated the changes in the UV-vis absorption spectrum of linear DASA both before and after exposure to visible light. Initially, the UV-vis absorption spectrum for the colored linear DASA, as depicted by the red line in Fig. 3, prominently displayed a strong absorption peak at 570 nm. This peak is indicative of the DASA's colored state. However, following the irradiation of this colored linear DASA with visible light, a significant transformation in the absorption spectrum was observed. The spectrum, now represented by the black line, aligned closely with that of the colorless cyclic DASA. This alignment was marked by a pronounced absorption peak at 262 nm and the complete disappearance of the previous peak at 570 nm.
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Fig. 3 Normalized UV-visible absorption spectra of the cyclic DASA in water (black line) and the linear DASA in toluene (red line). |
Furthermore, the application of heat to the cyclic DASA instigated a return to the original characteristics, both in terms of the UV-vis absorption spectrum and the color. This change back to the initial states post-heat application was a critical observation, further reinforcing the substance's reversible attributes. To provide additional verification of the structural changes between the linear and cyclic forms of DASA, 1H-NMR spectroscopy was employed. The results, as shown in Fig. S1(a) and (b),† conclusively confirmed the reversible transformation between these two forms of DASA. Such findings are pivotal, as they clearly demonstrate the suitability of DASA as an effective indicator in a non-contact, reusable self-reporting system. This system could have significant implications for various applications where reversible, visual indication of state changes is vital.
The surface morphology and shell thickness of the synthesized microcapsules were meticulously examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). These microcapsules, produced under carefully optimized conditions involving EMA (40 mL) and styrene (49 mL), stirred at 500 rpm for a duration of 5.5 hours, presented a distinct morphology. They displayed a spherical shape, a smooth surface texture, and a uniform particle size distribution. The mean particle diameter, as observed in Fig. 4(a) and S2,† was determined to be approximately 225 μm. A critical aspect of these microcapsules was their shell thickness, which was measured to be 0.170 μm, as shown in Fig. S3, No. 1.† This thickness is a vital parameter, as it influences the stability and release rate of the core materials within the microcapsules, thereby directly impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of the self-healing and self-reporting functions of the encapsulated DASA and styrene. The uniformity in particle size and shell thickness are indicative of the precision and control achieved in the synthesis process, highlighting the potential for these microcapsules to be effectively utilized in a range of applications, especially in smart coatings where controlled release and precise responses to environmental changes are crucial.
The microencapsulation of the DASA dye was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy (Fig. S4†). The NMR spectrum of the ruptured microcapsules revealed chemical shifts corresponding to the DASA dye, confirming the successful encapsulation of the DASA dye within the PUF microcapsules.
The stable formation of microcapsules relies significantly on the ratio of shell-to-core materials, which is also known to be a critical factor in determining both the surface morphology and particle size of microcapsules. Excess shell material can result in particle aggregation, whereas insufficient shell material can cause the microcapsule to rupture during preparation.35–37 To investigate the correlation between the core-to-shell ratio and microcapsule properties, the amount of styrene in the microcapsule core was systematically varied while holding all other preparation conditions constant (Table S1†). The SEM images and particle size distributions of the microcapsules with different styrene contents (ranging from 49 to 20 mL) are shown in Fig. S3 and S5,† respectively. The microcapsules exhibited uniform spherical shapes and smooth surfaces regardless of the styrene content. Neither particle aggregation nor microparticle collapse were observed, confirming the successful and stable formation of the microcapsules. Reducing the styrene content of the core materials resulted in microcapsules with a similar average size ranging from 197 μm to 256 μm. The capsule thickness also showed minimal variation with changes in the styrene content, ranging from 0.143 μm to 0.170 μm. Furthermore, the effect of the reaction time on the microcapsule size and thickness was negligible (Fig. S3 and S5†).
Considering the size, shell thickness, and yield, the optimal conditions for microcapsule synthesis involved 49.0 mL of styrene, 40.0 mL of PEMA, an agitation speed of 500 rpm, and a reaction time of 5.5 h (Table S2, entry 1†). The measured encapsulation efficiency of the microcapsules synthesized under this reaction condition, defined as the ratio of the actual core content to the theoretical core content, was 75.12%. Microcapsules produced under these optimized conditions were subsequently used for self-reporting applications. As shown in Fig. 4(b), the microcapsules synthesized with the optimal condition showed their stability to diethylamine, only exhibiting the color change after rupture by force.38
The thermal stability of the synthesized microcapsules was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) (Fig. S6†). At temperatures below 150 °C, a slight weight loss is attributed to the evaporation of residual moisture and formaldehyde.39,40 Significant weight loss around 235 °C is associated with the decomposition of the PUF microcapsule shell and organic core materials.40,41 At higher temperatures above 350 °C, a substantial weight loss is observed, primarily due to the decomposition of homopolymerized encapsulated styrene core materials.42 The temperature at which 6 wt% weight loss occurs is approximately 235 °C, demonstrating the thermal stability of the prepared microcapsules.
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Fig. 5 Photographs demonstrating the microcapsule-based reusable self-reporting system using the DASA dye. |
To revert the damaged surface back to its original state and thus restore the coating surface to a functional condition, the coated area was subjected to visible light irradiation for a duration of 1.5 hours. This exposure to light triggered a chemical transformation, converting the colored linear DASA back to its colorless cyclic form. As a result, the coating surface regained its initial, fully decolorized state, thereby illustrating the system's self-repair capability.
In a second experimental setup, a horizontal scratch test was performed, extending from left to right across the coating surface. This test was designed to further assess the system's consistency and repeatability in response to damage. Similar to the first test, the color change in the damaged area was clearly visible due to the colored linear DASA. This again was the consequence of the DASA precursor's reaction with the PEG gel following the rupture of the microcapsules. Consistent with the results of the first test, irradiation of the damaged area with visible light for the same duration of 1.5 hours successfully restored the surface to its original condition.
These experiments, taken together, demonstrate the robustness and reliability of the microcapsule-based self-reporting system using the DASA dye. The system not only exhibits a clear self-reporting function by visibly indicating the presence of damage but also showcases its reusability through the ability to recover its original state post-damage. This dual functionality of reusability and self-reporting is essential for a wide range of applications, particularly in contexts where long-term durability and minimal maintenance are critical. The successful implementation of this system highlights the potential of smart coatings in various industries, paving the way for more sustainable and efficient material maintenance solutions.
Footnotes |
† Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available. See DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/d4ra00925h |
‡ These authors contributed equally to this work. |
This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry 2024 |