Regenerative Polymeric Coatings Enabled by Pressure Responsive Surface Valves

Protective coatings safeguard the underlying substrate material from environmental attack and are critical for operating in harsh conditions. Self-healing materials have been developed for the autonomous repair of damage in coatings. This work demonstrates a regenerative coating system that is a simplified synthetic analog of skin. A protective UV curable coating reforms with properties identical to the native coating after complete removal. An integrated surface valve prevents premature curing of healing agent contained within a vascular substrate prior to damage-triggered release, facilitating recovery from repeat damage. The protective coating reforms when exposed to simulated sunlight.