Exploring the mechanism of self-stratifying coatings with aggregation-induced emission

Abstract Self-stratifying coatings are excellent replacements for traditional coatings, which need primers and sealers during their application on substrates. In this work, we introduced aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens (AIEgens) during the synthesis of self-stratifying coating to study and trace the mechanism and reactions between the individual components of the coating resin, its film-forming properties, and response to the environment in real time. The AIEgens introduced into the coating materials were a backbone to these studies. They can emit light (under excitation) with different properties depending on how their molecular rotors are restricted or free to move. More still, the reported fluorescent AIE-based self-stratifying coatings demonstrated reliable hydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties (contact angle above 130°), good thermal tolerance (above 350°), excellent toughness, chemical, and corrosion resistance. Such coatings can find use in various home and industrial applications.