SINGAPORE, July 13 (Xinhua) -- A team of researchers at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University have developed a special anti-rust coating for metals, local Channel NewsAsia reported on Wednesday.
The coating contains microscopic capsules with chemicals highly reactive to water. When the coating is scratched, the micro- capsules break and release the chemicals, creating a "self-healing " effect.
The chemicals react with water or moisture to form a plastic- like sealant over the scratch, preventing corrosion.
Yang Jinglei, an assistant professor who led the research, said corrosion losses can be up to five percent of a country's gross domestic product. Traditionally, a protective layer is added in a method known as organic coating. However, once the layer is scratched, the bare metal is exposed and eventually corrodes.
The "self-healing" coating is cost-effective because chemicals are already embedded, targeting exposed areas almost immediately. Unlike other self-healing systems, it does not require a synthetic catalyst, he said.
The coating, which has also been tested under harsh environmental conditions including humidity and sea water, can be used on a wide range of applications, including in the shipping industry, he said.
The project is the result of six months of work, and it is still at an early stage, Yang said, adding that he is confident it will eventually be available for day-to-day applications. Editor: yan