Autonomous Indication of Mechanical Damage in Polymeric Coatings

High-resolution in situ autonomous visual indication of mechanical damage is achieved through a microcapsule-based polymeric material system. Upon mechanical damage, ruptured microcapsules release a liquid indicator molecule. A sharp color change from light yellow to bright red is triggered when the liberated indicator 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescein reacts with the polymeric coating matrix. As a service to our authors and readers, this journal provides supporting information supplied by the authors. Such materials are peer reviewed and may be re-organized for online delivery, but are not copy-edited or typeset. Technical support issues arising from supporting information (other than missing files) should be addressed to the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.