Result of vascular tube design on the curative and mechanical performance of modified carbon fibers/hybrid resin self‐healing composites

Abstract

The current study focuses on the design of healing carriers (vascular tube) for enhancing the healing behavior and mechanical properties of healing composites by reinforcing hybrid resin (vinyl ester:epoxy [80:20]) with phenol‐treated carbon fibers and inserting macrovascular tubes by using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer mold (VARTM) process. Epoxy, vinyl ester (VE), and hybrid resin (HR) were incorporated in the vascular tubes as healing agents and introduced in three designs. The effect of phenol treatment on carbon fiber was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and SEM analyses, which refers to the occurring of structural and morphological changes and tensile strength of composite increased 7% higher than untreated composite. The self‐healing composites were impacted using a drop‐weight machine at constant impact energy, and the noticeable crack is recorded for understanding mechanical strength and healing performance. The results were supportively confirmed by observing internal damage with ultrasonic C‐scan technology. The impact results showed a better bearing capacity for design 2 during the initial impact test for different curing agents (VE, epoxy, and HR). The healing efficiency and mechanical properties were high for the composites infused with VE and hybrid resin. The present study will contribute toward self‐healing research for potential applications in the engineering sector.

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

“…Williams et al 62 were the first to report the use of hollow glass fibers as a carrier for repairing CFRP, which could effectively repair matrix cracks and achieve repeat repairs. Kumar et al 63 treated carbon fibers with phenol and layered them in a certain way with glass tubes filled by epoxy and vinyl ester healing agents. The results showed that the phenol‐treated carbon fibers had a stronger interaction with polymer matrix than original fibers.…”

Novel epoxy/cyclic olefin copolymer/carbon structural composites with electro‐activated self‐healing properties

“…In extrinsic systems, the self‐healing ability is activated autonomously, 17 while in intrinsic systems, the self‐healing process must be triggered through the use of external stimuli, such as temperature, voltage, and magnetic field 18 . In extrinsic self‐healing composites, the healing agent is usually contained in capsules 1920 , 21 vascular networks, 22 or nanoparticles, and has to be incorporated into the materials during the production of the composites 23 . When cracks occur within the material as a result of a damage event, the capsule or vascular network breakage allows the release of the healing agent into the damaged area.…”

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

“…and introduced into the host matrix material so that the healing agents can be released to achieve autonomous repair when the material is exposed to external damage. [19][20][21][22] LVI is a major source of damage for composite materials in real-world applications. In this regard, previous researchers have conducted a series of self-repair performance studies on composites for impact damage based on the above two systems.…”

“…Among these, the resin matrix based on the Diels–Alder reaction has garnered significant attention due to its reversible repair characteristics, which allow the composite material to undergo multiple repairs 16–18 ; (b) the extrinsic type, in which self‐healing agents are encapsulated in micro‐memories (microcapsules, hollow fibers, and microvessels, etc.) and introduced into the host matrix material so that the healing agents can be released to achieve autonomous repair when the material is exposed to external damage 19–22 …”