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Self-healing polyurea coating resists cavitation and corrosion in offshore environments
A new composite polyurea coating with reduced graphene oxide demonstrates strong anti-cavitation, anticorrosion, and photothermal self-repair properties—designed for use in offshore engineering components.
In a study published in Progress in Organic Coatings (Volume 200, March 2025), researchers present a multifunctional polyurea coating system, developed for dynamic components in offshore engineering. The composite, designated H-DAPU, incorporates hydrogen-bonded, trifluoromethoxyphenyl isocyanate-functionalised reduced graphene oxide (HRGO), enabling simultaneous cavitation resistance, corrosion protection and photothermal self-healing.
The composite’s mechanical strength was significantly improved, with a stress resistance increase of 8 MPa over the base formulation. After 48 hours of continuous cavitation exposure, the coating demonstrated a 37.6 % reduction in mass loss compared to the unmodified system. The addition of HRGO not only reinforced the mechanical properties but also created a dense barrier structure that enhanced corrosion resistance.
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Efficient self-repair through near-infrared activation
Beyond passive protection, H-DAPU features dynamic self-repair functionality. When exposed to near-infrared (NIR) light for 60 seconds, the coating reached a self-healing efficiency of 92.2 %. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed that even after 10 days in 3.5 wt% NaCl solution, the coating maintained a low-frequency impedance value of 3.2 × 10⁷ Ω·cm²—indicating long-lasting corrosion resistance.
These results point to H-DAPU as a promising material for protecting power components and structures in harsh marine environments, where conventional coatings struggle with wear and degradation.
Source: Li, W. et al. Polyurea/hydrogen-bonded reduced graphene oxide composite coating with self-repairing functions for applications of anti-cavitation and anti-corrosion, Progress in Organic Coatings, Volume 200, March 2025, 108979.
