Dual-Response Hexagonal Boron Nitride in Epoxy Vitrimer Nanocomposite for Self-Repairable and Corrosion Resistance Coatings

Epoxy vitrimers (EV) are known for their self-repairing properties, utilizing dynamic disulfide bonds that reformed under heat.However, their brittleness and softness limit practical use.Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), with its high thermal conductivity and mechanical reinforcement, offers a solution.This study explores hBN at 0.5 wt.% and 1.0 wt.% in EV to assess self-repairing, mechanical integrity, and corrosion resistance.The 0.5 wt.% hBN formulation achieved rapid self-repairing in ~10 minutes, demonstrating hBN's role in efficient heat transfer and bond reformation.The 1.0 wt.% formulation showed superior corrosion resistance and hydrophobicity due to hBN's barrier properties.Knife-scratch tests revealed severe delamination in pure epoxy vitrimer, moderate in 1.0 wt.% hBN, and a clean cut in 0.5 wt.% hBN, indicating better mechanical integrity.Both loadings highlight hBN's dual role in enhancing self-repairing and mechanical integrity.The study underscores the critical role of hBN dosage, as excess loading can compromise performance, offering insights for designing advanced self-repairing coatings.