2-Mercaptobenzimidazole@carbon nanocages enable self-healing anticorrosion coatings

The article delves into the critical issue of metal corrosion, particularly in marine environments, and presents a novel solution through the development of self-healing anticorrosion coatings. The study focuses on the use of carbon nanocages (CNCs) loaded with 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (MBI) as a means to enhance the durability and effectiveness of protective coatings on carbon steels. The research highlights the synthesis and characterization of MBI@CNCs, their incorporation into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) coatings, and the systematic evaluation of their anticorrosion and self-healing properties. The findings reveal that the optimal loading of MBI@CNCs significantly improves the corrosion resistance and self-healing capabilities of the coatings, providing a dense protective film that inhibits further corrosion reactions. The article also explores the underlying mechanisms of the self-healing process, offering valuable insights into the development of advanced anticorrosion technologies. The experimental data, including electrochemical tests and surface characterization, demonstrate the superior performance of the MBI@CNCs-PMMA coatings compared to conventional coatings, making this study a pivotal contribution to the field of corrosion protection.