Self-healing epoxy matrix

Fig. 1. SEM micrograph of the section surface of the self-healing epoxy specimen in which we can observe the empty geometrical places left by the catalyst in the epoxy matrix (see arrow)...

Self-healing epoxy system was obtained by dispersing ENB/DCPD(5%)-filled nanocapsules at a concentration of 20 wt% into the epoxy matrix. 

In the development of our self-healing epoxy resins, the evaluation of the catalytic activity was investigated for the epoxy matrix (formulation without nanocapsules). 

F. 18 Schematic of noncovalent adhesion promotion in a self-healing system. The polymer formed in the crack plane contains hydrogen-bond-donating groups that interact with hydrogen-bond-accepting groups present in the epoxy matrix. Reproduced with permission from [73]... 

Using NRs, White and coworkers developed self-repaired polymers. This approach was based on incorporation of microcapsules loaded with healing agents, dicyclopentadiene monomers, and using a proper catalyst in epoxy matrix. Formation of cracks ruptured the microcapsules and released healing... 

Pingkarawat K, Wang CH, Varley RJ, Mouritz AP (2012) Self-healing of delamination cracks in mendable epoxy matrix laminates using poly[ethylene-co-(methacrylic acid)] thermoplastic. Compos A Appl S 43 1301-1307... 

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. 

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