Research Article
Exploration of Aloe Vera Gel Extract as a Bio-based Additive for Self-healing and Anti-corrosive Performance in Alkyd Resin Coatings
Izuchukwu Odinakachi Madu*
,
Innocent Okechi Arukalam,
Henry Chukwuka Oyeoka,
Victor Ugochukwu Okpechi,
Miracle Chisom Madu,
Remy Uche
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
1-16
Received:
20 October 2025
Accepted:
4 January 2026
Published:
4 June 2026
Abstract: The effectiveness of Aloe Vera (AV) gum extract as a corrosion-inhibiting and self-healing agent in alkyd-based coatings was investigated in the present study with the aim of developing environmentally friendly protective coatings. To identify the active chemical constituents responsible for corrosion inhibition, phytochemical screening of the AV gum extract was carried out and revealed the presence of bioactive compounds capable of enhancing coating performance. In this work, both urea-formaldehyde (UF) and melamine-formaldehyde (MF) resins were employed as wall materials for the encapsulation of the AV gum extract through microencapsulation techniques. The prepared microcapsules were characterized using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to confirm successful encapsulation and the presence of functional groups associated with the extract and polymer matrices. In addition, the surface morphology and dispersion of the microcapsules within the alkyd coating matrix were examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Experimental design analysis and outdoor immersion tests demonstrated that the AV gum extract exhibited remarkable anticorrosion efficiency, improved barrier performance, and effective self-healing capability on damaged or scribed coating surfaces. The coatings containing AV-loaded UF microcapsules showed superior performance compared to MF-based systems. Overall, the study established that Aloe Vera gum extract can serve as an effective, sustainable, and low-cost additive for producing eco-friendly self-healing alkyd-based anticorrosive coatings without reliance on expensive synthetic co-reactants.
Abstract: The effectiveness of Aloe Vera (AV) gum extract as a corrosion-inhibiting and self-healing agent in alkyd-based coatings was investigated in the present study with the aim of developing environmentally friendly protective coatings. To identify the active chemical constituents responsible for corrosion inhibition, phytochemical screening of the AV g...
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Review Article
A Review of Recent Advances and Techniques Used in the Fabrication of Coatings on Micro/nanostructured
Anti-wetting Surfaces
Issue:
Volume 12, Issue 1, March 2026
Pages:
17-37
Received:
22 May 2026
Accepted:
10 June 2026
Published:
29 June 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ajpst.20261201.12
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Abstract: Anti-wetting surfaces, which possess strong water-repellent properties and self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-icing, and anti-corrosion characteristics, are of great interest due to their numerous applications across various industrial sectors. For thousands of years, nature has developed highly innovative wetting systems to survive in hostile environments. For example, the surface structures of lotus leaves and gecko feet, with their superhydrophobic and parahydrophobic properties, play a key role in the adhesion of these natural surfaces. This review article examines in detail the theoretical foundations, various fabrication techniques, applications, and challenges associated with anti-wetting surfaces. This literature review analyzes the fundamental principles, focusing on water-repellent surfaces observed in nature, theories of wettability such as Young’s equation, the Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter states, as well as the dynamics of wetting. Various techniques for fabricating anti-wetting surfaces, such as dip-coating, templates, the sol-gel technique, etching, and electropolymerization, are studied, ranging from micro- and/or nanostructuring methods to advanced material coatings, highlighting the evolution of surface engineering. The numerous applications of water-repellent surfaces, ranging from self-cleaning technologies to oil-water separation, are discussed, highlighting their potential contributions in fields such as energy, environmental protection, and anti-icing. Despite their promising properties, water-repellent surfaces also face significant challenges, such as issues of durability and scalability, environmental concerns, and limitations in achieving multifunctionality. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of research on anti-wetting surfaces, this review aims to guide future studies and encourage innovations in the development and use of these intriguing surfaces.
Abstract: Anti-wetting surfaces, which possess strong water-repellent properties and self-cleaning, anti-fouling, anti-icing, and anti-corrosion characteristics, are of great interest due to their numerous applications across various industrial sectors. For thousands of years, nature has developed highly innovative wetting systems to survive in hostile envir...
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