Preparation of CNTs-SiO2 hybrids/epoxy superhydrophobic coating with self-healing property activated by shape memory effect

In this work, a superhydrophobic coating with self-healing property activated by the shape memory effect was prepared by a simple one-step spraying method. The self-healing performance of the coating was achieved by adjusting the proportion of epoxy resin and curing agent with flexible chain segments. With the incorporation of 30 wt% carbon nanotubes-silica (CNTs-SiO2) hybrid in the epoxy matrix, a micro-nano hierarchical surface morphology was formed on the coating to endow it with superhydrophobic property. The damaged CNTs-SiO2/E106 coating could be healed under thermally heating or electrically heating to activate the shape memory effect above its glass transition temperature (Tg). Moreover, the coating exhibited excellent mechanical durability due to its stable three-dimensional network structure and a high proportion of flexible segments. After thermally healing, the healed CNTs-SiO2/E106 coating could effectively block the permeation of corrosion media by restoring the structure and hence strengthening the anti-corrosion property. [Display omitted] •Superhydrophobic coating is prepared by a simple one-step spraying method.•A micro-nano hierarchical structures endowed coating superhydrophobic property.•The coating with excellent self-healing property under thermally heating or electrically heating.•The coating displays superhydrophobic property after 170 times of peeling under 30 kPa load pressure.