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Self-healing polyurethane coating protects flexible fabrics from scratches
A newly developed aromatic Schiff base-functionalised polyurethane repairs scratches within twenty minutes under UV light while enhancing the mechanical durability of cotton and leather surfaces.
Developing durable, flexible and self-healing coatings for fabrics has long been a challenge. A research team has now introduced an innovative polyurethane (PU) incorporating dynamic Schiff base bonds to repair damage rapidly while improving mechanical strength and flexibility. The system is based on cinnamaldehyde reacting with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES), forming aromatic Schiff base linkages within the PU matrix.
The resulting Schiff base-functionalised polyurethane (PSB) combines hydrogen bonding from siloxane units with UV-activated (365 nm) dynamic imine crosslinking. This enables healing efficiencies of up to 80 % within twenty minutes while maintaining its aromatic fragrance.
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Improved mechanics and rapid surface repair
When applied to cotton fabrics and leather, PSB coatings significantly increased scratch resistance and tensile performance. Dip-coated cotton reached a tensile strength of 9 N/mm and elongation of 14 % after healing, corresponding to an 80 % healing efficiency. Leather surfaces closed cracks within twenty minutes, achieving 76 % recovery in mechanical strength.
The study highlights aroma-Schiff base-functionalised polyurethanes as a promising solution for scratch-resistant, flexible and durable textile surfaces, offering additional sensory value through sustained fragrance release.
Source: Sasikala, H., Meganathan, M. K. & Ramalingam, S., Self-healing aroma-Schiff base functionalized polyurethane for scratch resistant flexible fabrics. Progress in Organic Coatings, 207, 109431 (2025).
