Abstract
A novel Lewis acid-catalysed self-healing system is investigated for implementation in epoxy-based fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials. The catalyst, scandium(III) triflate, is selected using a qualitative approach and subsequently embedded with pre-synthesised epoxysolvent loaded microcapsules, into an epoxy resin. Healing is initiated when microcapsules are ruptured at the onset of crack propagation. The epoxy monomer healing agent contained within, actively undergoes ring-opening polymerisation (ROP) on contact with the locally placed catalyst, forming a new polymer to bridge the two fractured crack surfaces. Self-healing performance is quantified using tapered double cantilever beam (TDCB) epoxy resin test specimens and the effects of microcapsule loading, microcapsule content and healing temperature are all independently considered. As an initial proof of concept study, results show that a material recovery value of greater than 80% fracture strength is achieved for this novel Lewis acidcatalysed self-healing epoxy resin.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | ICCM International Conferences on Composite Materials |
| Publication status | Published - 2011 |
| Event | 18th International Conference on Composites Materials, ICCM 2011 - Jeju, Korea, Republic of Duration: 21 Aug 2011 → 26 Aug 2011 |
Conference
| Conference | 18th International Conference on Composites Materials, ICCM 2011 |
|---|---|
| Country/Territory | Korea, Republic of |
| City | Jeju |
| Period | 21/08/11 → 26/08/11 |
Keywords
- Autonomic healing
- Hollow glass fibre (HGF)
- Microcapsule
- Multifunctional composites
- Self-healing
- Tapered double cantilever beam (TDCB)
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Engineering
- Ceramics and Composites