Self-healing organic coatings based on microcapsules – A patent-based review

Self-healing coatings are intended to increase long-term durability and reliability and can be enabled by the presence of microcapsules containing a self-healing agent capable of interacting with the matrix and regenerating the system. This review article provides an overview of the state-of-the-art, focusing on the patents published in the field of microcapsule-based self-healing organic coatings, since the early 2000’s. A discussion about coatings for corrosion protection and the different self-healing approaches and mechanisms are also addressed, as well as future challenges and expectations for this kind of coatings.