Panel Discussion

Shape memory assisted self-healing (SMASH) coatings have the ability heal nearly completely after damage with the application of heat, making them useful for corrosion resistance in steel structures (1). This summer’s project sought to expand upon existing research to develop an efficiently healing and transparent SMASH coating that could be used in technological applications, such as on cell phone or computer screens (2) . The materials tested were comprised of electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) fiber mats coated in epoxy with differing glass transition temperatures (Tg). The healing efficiency of the samples were tested by damaging each one with a razorblade and healing them over varying times and heats in an oven. The transparency of each sample was observed visually before and after heating, a technique which will be refined later in the research process. Once the most ideal combination is found, further experimentation will be conducted to determine whether the ideal epoxy/PCL combination is also one that can withstand multiple damage-healing cycles to the same spot without becoming opaque. References (1) Nejad, H. B. Thermally/Mechanically Responsive Polymeric Composites with Shape Memory/Self-Healing Properties. Syracuse University 2015, 79-95. (2) Luo, X. Thermally Responsive Polymer Systems for Self-Healing, Reversible Adhesion and Shape Memory Applications. Syracuse University, ProQuest Dissertations Publishing 2010. 3437600.