International 
. Researchers at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) developed a self-healing coating that reduces the rate of corrosion in metals under the paint layer. In addition, the coating does not need a catalyst, as in other systems.
The product was prepared by encapsulating the compound hexamethylene diisocyanate (HDI) inside the polymer covers to form microcapsules, which are mixed with the epoxy resins and applied to the steel layer.
When the layer is scratched, the micro capsules break down and release the HDI chemicals that can also reduce the rate of corrosion when reacted with water that has diffused into the coating in good condition.
According to the NTU, this project took six months to obtain results and was led by Professor Yang Jinglei, from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, who said that corrosion losses can mean up to 5% of a country's Gross Domestic Product.
Yang added that the self-healing coating is cost-effective, because the chemicals are already integrated and targeting exposed areas almost immediately. "The coating will especially benefit the maritime market, which experiences high reserves due to corrosion damage," said the researcher.
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