Binding crystalline solids at low temperatures

Crystalline solids are solid materials whose constituent atoms, molecules, or ions are arranged in a highly regulated fashion. Due to lack of rotational freedom in their stacking, they have been known as fragile materials. Even though some efforts have been dedicated to bind or mend defects/cracks in amorphous materials like concrete or polymers...

Dual-action smart coatings with a self-healing superhydrophobic surface and anti-corrosion properties

This work introduces a new self-healing superhydrophobic coating based on dual actions by the corrosion inhibitor benzotriazole (BTA) and an epoxy-based shape memory polymer (SMP). Damage to the surface morphology (e.g., crushed areas and scratches) and the corresponding superhydrophobicity are shown to be rapidly healed through a simple heat...