Reinforced polymer composites, self-healing

As compared to laminated composite, there is no doubt that the impact tolerance of the 3-D woven fabric reinforced polymer composite has been enhanced dramatically due to the 3-D network structme and the improved transverse shear resistance. However, it is clear that even repeated low velocity impact can cause significant damage. Therefore, tike laminated composite and sandwich composite, 3-D woven fabric reinforced polymer composite also calls for self-healing capabilities. 

Pang, J.W.C., Bond, I.P. (2005) A hollow fibre reinforced polymer composite encompassing self-healing and enhanced damage visibility. Composites Science and Technology, 65, 1791-1799. 

Figure 6.3 Self-healing by hollow fibers. The working principle is similar to the microcapsule approach but is more suitable for working with fiber reinforced polymer composites. Source [37] Reproduced with permission from Elsevier...

Fikru, N. (2009) Self-healing of fiber reinforced polymer composites. Masters dissertation. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Louisiana State University. 

Metal triflates in polymers were also reported as self-healing agents affording fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials. The Lewis acid catalyst in these materials is protected by polymer [131]. 

The present work covers a variety of self-healing motifs, systems, and chemistries. The first example of a practical fully self-contained self-healing system based on microencapsulated dicyclopentadiene and Grubbs catalyst particles embedded in an epoxy matrix,) 16) formed the basis for further research on similar self-healing systems and thus forms the basis for the discussion presented herein. For all chemistries discussed, the efforts in compartmentalization of the reactants, evaluation of self-healing performance, and testing in relevant applications such as reinforced polymer composites and coatings are presented. 

Nji, J. and Li, G. (2010) A self-healing 3D woven fabric reinforced shape memory polymer composite fm impact mitigation. Smart Materials and Structures, 19, paper 035(X)7 (9 pages). 

Li, G. and Zhang, P. (2013) A self-healing particulate composite reinforced with strain hardened shape memray polymer fiber. Polymer, 54, 5075-5086. 

Hayes S.A., Zhang W., Branthwaite M. and Jones F.R. (2007b), Self-healing of damage in fibre-reinforced polymer-matrix composites, J Roy Soc. Interface, 4, 381-387. 

Repair of relatively large-scale delaminations in a self-healing fiber-reinforced structural polymer composite was achieved by incorporating urea-formaldehyde microcapsules containing DCPD and first-generation Grubbs ... 

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