In addition to the specific application identified above, the self-healing coating can find applications in different components of expandable structures for lunar and Martian missions in the future. Expandable structures could benefit from use of the coatings as it would enhance the functionality and reliability of the inflatable structures. The self-healing coatings can be applied to fabrics and films that will be used for lunar habitats. The use of self-healing can help reduce the loss of consumables in the lunar habitat and advance the design of smart structures. Nanostructured coatings could be extended to use to different components of Space Suit Assembly like imparting self-repairing the gloves used for Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) since the gloves are exposed to possibility of damage.
Potential commercial applications for a self-healing electrically-insulating adhesive are various. The adhesive can be applied to automotive or industrial electronics which may be difficult to access, but would require lower maintenance costs due to the self-healing capability. Similarly, electrical/optical cables and communication devices that are in hard-to-reach or hazardous locations can use this adhesive as a means to improve the safety of technical repair personnel. By extension, these adhesives can be used in protective equipment for technical personnel who work in environments where electrical shock is a concern. Another huge area of potential interest is chromate free self-healing corrosion resistant coatings for metals, an example of which is aluminum alloys used for aircraft components and fuel tanks. Current non-chromate coatings cannot match the performance of chromate coatings. Introduction of a barrier coating with near ambient temperature self-healing function will provide another tool toward establishing a chromate-free system with performance equivalent to that of a chromate-containing coating.
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