American Self-healing Paint

[akimel]

For a couple of years we have heard about the self-healing paint being developed by Nissan. It appears that the Americans are now getting into the act. Scientists at University of Southern Mississippi are working on a polyurethane film that will repair itself when exposed to sunlight. See this article from the Discovery Channel.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: American Self-healing Paint

Cool stuff.

I have a client booked for some gnarly paint chip repair, and a full buff out on a 2008 G37S. Was it 2008, or 2009 that self-healing paint started on those? Hmm...

[Nappers]

Re: American Self-healing Paint

Hmmm, got me on that one, I know I read it but can't remember.

Keep us posted!

[Tuck91]

Re: American Self-healing Paint

self healing paint, as in the swirls can disappear on its own?

[Fischer]

Re: American Self-healing Paint

self healing paint, as in the swirls can disappear on its own?

We can always assume so...I hope this wont effect us detailers.

[ColonelCash]

Re: American Self-healing Paint

I'm curious to know when it would stop healing itself...and how does it heal itself anyhow? Does it scab over? Does it need a band-aid?

[Michael Stoops]

Re: American Self-healing Paint

From the article:

The next time your car is keyed, park it under a ray of sunshine. If your car is coated in a new polyurethane film developed by scientists from the University of Southern Mississippi, the scratch will be gone in an hour.

Who wants to lay odds that the above statement is a bit of an exaggeration? Do you think a scratch as severe as those inflicted from keying a car will actually be self healing? That is a LOT of missing material.


Further from the article:

The remaining 0.01 percent is either a four-molecule oxetane ring or a long rod of chitosan. Chitosan is closely related to chitin, the tough material found in the shells of lobsters and crabs.

Lobsters and crabs, eh? Well, if the paint doesn't heal itself then perhaps a little drawn butter and lemon juice will come in handy.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: American Self-healing Paint

Well the article states that the "healing" only takes place on damaged areas. Interesting concept. Only time will tell if it works.

[akimel]

Re: American Self-healing Paint

Lobsters and crabs, eh? Well, if the paint doesn't heal itself then perhaps a little drawn butter and lemon juice will come in handy.

Haha! Actually, it all sounds like something out of Battlestar Galactica--a mixture of organic and synthetic materials. Before long, the machines will be taking over the world. First our cars, then the universe! Bruhahahaha.