Development of Micro and Nanostructured Materials for Interfacial Self -Healing
To investigate self-healing of an interface, a method is developed for sequestration of healing agent filled microcapsules and catalyst to the reinforcement-matrix interface. Microbond specimens, consisting of a single self-healing functionalized fiber embedded in a microdroplet of epoxy, are used to test virgin and healed fiber-matrix interfacial shear strength. When damage initiates at the fiber-matrix interface, the attached capsules rupture, and healing agent is released into the crack plane where it contacts the Grubbs' catalyst to initiate polymerization. Up to 44% recovery of virgin interfacial shear strength after full interfacial debonding is demonstrated. Additionally, no decrease in virgin interfacial shear strength for functionalized fibers is reported for the specific concentrations used to achieve recovery of interfacial shear strength.
University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign
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University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign