Chitosan as basis of self-healing coatings

Scientist at the Mississippi South University in Hattiesburg succeded a spectacular development - a self-reparing material when exposed to ultraviolet light. Prof. Marek Urban and Ph.D. student Biswajit Ghosh were researching on a coating, which main components are chitosan and oxetan. From their point of view this priniciple can be of greatest importance for many matrials.

This invention helps engineers to approach their long term dream of self-reparing matierials. Basis of the development, realised by the group of Prof. Urban, is the combination of chitosan and oxetan. Is the ring form of the oxetan destroyed by external forces, like for example by scratching the car painting with a pointed object, reactive groups are set free. Their stimulation, for example by ultraviolet light activates the Chitosan. Both substances interact and create new, bigger compounds. Desired side effect of the interaction of both substances is the construction of a bigger molcule that close the scratch. Dependent on weather conditions, the duration of the self-reparation varies between 15 and 60 minutes.

However, this cure only works once.  Is the same surface destroyed again, the damage needs to be repared otherwise.

So far, the substance is still in a testing stage, before a product with those eigenschaften enters the market, scientist estimate it will still take at least 5 years. Until then consumers can enjoy the anticipation. Not only car lovers will profit from the coating. Further applications according to scientists might be e.g. as a transparent coatings for ophtalmic lenses, monitors or other glasses.

This example shows the apparent inexhaustible potential of chitosan. Further applicationpossiblities you can find on our web pages.

Hepppe Medical Chitosan is curious about further advancements of Prof. Urban and his group. We keep at it and you can read about it in our News area.

Source: Dailymail