Nanostructured LDH-container layer with active protection functionality

Self-healing protective coatings based on different types of nanocontainers of corrosion inhibitors have been recently developed and reported as promising solutions for many industrial applications. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocontainers are among the most interesting systems since they confer the delivery of inhibitors on demand under action of corrosion-relevant triggers such as the presence of corrosive anions or local change of pH. In this paper, we report for the first time a new approach based on formation of a nanostructured LDH-container layer directly on the metal surface as a result of conversion reaction with a metal (aluminium alloy 2024) surface. The methodology allows the formation of a spatially differentiated LDH structure preferentially on surface sites located at active intermetallics. The LDH container layer loaded with vanadate ions provides an efficient active corrosion protection and can be used as a functional layer in self-healing coating systems.