Chamber/Capsule-Integrated Self-Healing Coating on Glass for Preventing Crack Propagation

Abstract

A transparent self-healing coating incorporating chambers and capsules capable of preventing the propagation of cracks in glass is presented. The main features simultaneously satisfy the requirements of high transmittance (approximate to 90% in the visible region) and the ability to heal random and large-area cracks in coated-glass materials (up to 6 cm long, 20 mu m wide, and 1 mm deep per chamber). Additionally, the polymerized hydrogel used as the healing agent can stop crack propagation because of its high mechanical strength and good adhesion to glass. Remarkably, the healed glass can withstand a force approximately four times greater than what can be withstood by the unhealed glass after cracking.