Nanostructured Self-Healing Polymers and Composites

Abstract

SummaryThrough this research, we successfully demonstrated self-healing with submicron and nanoscale consitutents. A summary of the research program is shown in Figure 1. The research was driven by basic science and engineering of new processing routes for nanoencapsulation of healing chemistries and seamless integration of the self-healing functionality into polymer and polymer composites. Major accomplishments described in this abstract include:• Identified three promising healing chemistries and successfully encapsulated the components in submicron capsules.• Functionalized the nanocapsules with a silica coating.• Dispersed high concentrations of submicron and nanocapsules in epoxy • Demonstrated modest healing in bulk epoxy specimen. • Successfully integrated nanocapsules on glass and fiber surface for composite applications.• Developed a new protocol and demonstrated preliminary fiber/matrix interfacial healing during a single fiber pullout test. SIGNIFICANT RESULTS Self-Healing Chemistry for the NanoscaleWe have identified three potential healing chemistries that can be successfully scaled for healing at submicron length scales: (1) Grubbs catalyzed DCPD monomer, (2) one-part solventepoxy, and (3) two-part amine cured epoxy. We were able to demonstrate healing with the first two systems and believe the third chemistry also holds promise.