University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Fracture testing of a self-healing polymer composite

Brown, Eric N.; Sottos, Nancy R.; White, Scott R.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/265

Description

Title
Fracture testing of a self-healing polymer composite
Author(s)
  • Brown, Eric N.
  • Sottos, Nancy R.
  • White, Scott R.
Issue Date
2001-11
Keyword(s)
  • smart materials
  • experimental solid mechanics
  • fracture
  • materials processing
  • micromechanics
Abstract
Inspired by biological systems in which damage triggers an autonomic healing response, we have developed a polymer composite materials that can heal itself when cracked. This paper summarizes the self-healing concept for polymeric composite materials and investigates fracture mechanics issues consequential to the development and optimization of this new class of materials. The self-healing material under investigation is an epoxy matrix composite, which incorporates a microencapsulated healing agent that is released upon crack intrusion. Polymerization of the healing agent is triggered by contact with an embedded catalyst. The effects of size and concentration of catalyst and microcapsules on fracture toughness and healing efficiency are investigated. In all cases the addition of microcapsules significantly toughens the neat epoxy. Once healed, the self-healing polymer recovers as much as 90% of its virgin fracture toughness.
Publisher
Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (UIUC)
Series/Report Name or Number
TAM Reports 986
ISSN
0073-5264
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/265

Owning Collections

Technical Reports - Theoretical and Applied Mechanics (TAM) PRIMARY
TAM technical reports include manuscripts intended for publication, theses judged to have general interest, notes prepared for short courses, symposia compiled from outstanding undergraduate projects, and reports prepared for research-sponsoring agencies.