Preparation and corrosion studies of self-healing multi-layered nano coatings of silica and swelling clay

The investigation of self-healing ceramic coatings is of great importance in many critical applications. We have investigated the feasibility of self-healing coatings which automatically repair the damaged part by physical and chemical reaction. In particular, we have focused on swelling clay (hectorite), which expands cubically and blocks the reactants from the substrate. In this study, we have tried to deposit clay and silica multi-layers using the spin coating technique. These coatings are analyzed using SEM, EPMA, AFM and a laser microscope for their features. Finally, fractal analysis has been carried out to confirm the micrographs taken by laser microscope after corrosion test.