A critical appraisal of the potential of self healing polymeric coatings

► We expose the existing self-healing concepts. ► We analyze the applicability of these concepts into organic coatings. ► The selected concept will depend on the functionality to be restored. ► The implementation of SH in functionalities other than mechanical and protective ones have not been sufficiently explored yet. Several approaches and concepts to self healing materials have appeared in the literature over the last years, all presenting advantages and disadvantages, but definitely showing the great potential of this new class of materials to increase the lifetime of structures and to decrease maintenance costs. Also the field of coatings technology can benefit from this new concept. In this paper the authors critically discuss the potential of existing self-healing approaches applied or likely to be applied to the field of organic coatings, analyzing the pros and cons of each healing mechanism and highlighting the potential of development of non-explored areas of coatings technology.