The ICAM’s researchers have developed smart coatings that can autonomously detect, report on, and heal damage, reducing maintenance costs and improving safety in harsh environments. These innovations address challenges such as corrosion, UV damage, and stress cracking in composite materials, extending the lifespan of pipelines and offshore structures. The project demonstrated effective self-repair in thermoplastic composites and developed sunlight-curable coatings, supported by field trials. With over 15 publications in leading journals and five granted patents, this research shows strong potential for commercialisation and cost savings across oil, gas, and renewable industries.
Learn more, read Making the Invisible, Visible – Addressing Corrosion with Smart Coatings on bp.com.
Illustration of microcapsules containing visual indicators are embedded in the coating. Upon mechanical damage, the capsules rupture and the released core materials react with the coating to locally change colour
“The early warning damage coupled with the self-repair mechanism will reduce risk and downtime for bp and increase the reliability and safety of our operations. The ability to detect cracks early [and] before failure improves safety and significantly reduces the maintenance costs. We envisage our research in the long term has a potential to extend beyond oil and gas to other industries such as aerospace manufacturing and infrastructure.”
Sai Venkateswaran, bp Mentor
The ICAM brings together academics, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and bp industry experts, combining cross disciplinary expertise to address critical challenges for the energy transition.
View Our DirectoryThe ICAM brings together interdisciplinary teams with expertise across science and engineering. The scientific publications authored by our researchers showcase some of the ground-breaking work taking place across the ICAM partnership.
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