Intrinsic and extrinsic self‐healing fiber‐reinforced polymer composites: A review

Abstract

With their high specific modulus, high specific strength and designability, fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have replaced or surpassed traditional metallic materials in a wide range of applications. However, the polymer matrix of commonly used FRP composites is usually a thermosetting polymer that is difficult to rework once formed, which implants a substantial challenge for the repair and recycling of composites. Self‐repair, as an emerging method of repairing polymer‐based materials, has the advantages of simplification, high efficiency and repeatability against traditional repair methods. Research on self‐healing polymer materials is developing rapidly and becoming more systematic. With the development of self‐healing polymer, polymer‐based composites with self‐healing capabilities are becoming possible. This paper reviews the current development of self‐healing polymers in recent years, with specific emphasis on their applications in FRP composites. According to the difference in healing mechanisms, the self‐healing polymer composites are split into two categories, intrinsic and extrinsic ones. The essential concepts and different types of intrinsic and extrinsic self‐healing composites are first introduced. Then, their pros and cons are discussed, respectively. Finally, the perspectives of intrinsic as well as extrinsic self‐healing FRP composites are put forward.Highlights Development of self‐healing fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. Extrinsic and intrinsic self‐healing fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. Pros and cons of self‐healing fiber‐reinforced polymer composites. Perspectives of self‐healing fiber‐reinforced polymer composites.

Interlaminar and translaminar fracture toughness of 3D‐printed continuous fiber reinforced composites: A review and prospect

“…Furthermore, before the printing process of 3D‐printed CFRCs, introducing self‐healing material to treat the surface of continuous fibers might improve the impregnation quality. After this pre‐treatment process, composites had the potential to heal interface defects formed during loading 45,72 …”

Highly Thermal Stable, Stiff, and Recyclable Self-Healing Epoxy Based on Diels–Alder Reaction

“…1 At present, selfhealing polymers are divided into two main categories. 2 One is the extrinsic self-healing polymer, which heals the damage through the pre-embedded healing agent in the polymer matrix. The other is the intrinsic self-healing polymer, which heals damage through the disconnection and formation of dynamic intermolecular interactions.…”

“…Self-healing polymer materials have been widely studied for their ability to effectively extend service life . At present, self-healing polymers are divided into two main categories . One is the extrinsic self-healing polymer, which heals the damage through the pre-embedded healing agent in the polymer matrix.…”

Low‐velocity impact response and post‐impact assessment of self‐healing composites with different stacking configurations of core–shell nanofibers

“…Since White et al 14 first demonstrated the concept of selfhealing materials in 2001, there has been a great deal of research on materials with damage self-healing capability. Currently, self-healing materials can be primarily divided into two categories 15 : (a) the intrinsic type, which uses thermoplastic polymer blending or the reversible reaction of the matrix itself, and is stimulated by external conditions (e.g., heating, pressurization, etc.) to repair damage.…”