Strategies for developing multi-functional, self-healing coatings for corrosion prevention and other functions

Self-healing of functional materials and coatings would prolong their service life, leading to saving of natural resources and bringing an economic impact to society. Self-healing of coatings is inspired by the smart phenomena of nature that are adapted by scientists to design new coatings with different functions. Corrosion prevention, antibacterial and antifouling protection, delivery of lubricants and other functions of coatings that can be recovered or enhanced are discussed in this chapter. The chapter concerns approaches and challenges in designing self-repairing iunctional coatings, contributing to development of new functional materials and coatings.