Application of SVET/SIET Techniques to Study Healing Processes in Coated Metal Substrates

Abstract

Self-healing has become a hot topic in the field of protective coatings where an intense effort is being carried out to find ways to prolong the service life of both coating and metal substrate. This chapter reviews the use of two localized electrochemical techniques, the Scanning Vibrating Electrode Technique (SVET) and the Scanning Ion-Selective Electrode Technique (SIET) for studying the performance, degradation, and healing processes of coated metals. First, a brief outline of corrosion and corrosion protection, with emphasis on organic coatings, is given to provide the context of the work. This is followed by the concept of self-healing coatings. The principles of SVET and SIET are then presented, together with selected examples of their use. The chapter closes with a discussion on the strategies to probe healing processes and a review of published work.