Autonomous Healing and Indication of Transverse Crack Damage in Carbon Fiber Composite Laminates

Kelly M. Chang, Nancy R. Sottos

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The performance of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites is limited by susceptibility to transverse microcracking and interfacial debonding. In this work, we introduce a microcapsule-based self-reporting and self-healing strategy for simultaneous detection and repair of cracks in FRPs. This dual functionality is achieved via the microencapsulation of a solvent-based healing agent doped with aggregation induced emission (AIE) luminogens and the subsequent dispersion of such microcapsules in carbon prepreg containing a thermoplastic-toughened epoxy matrix. Composite specimens are fabricated with a [0/90/0] stacking sequence from self-healing prepreg tapes and loaded in transverse tension until crack saturation is achieved. The transverse cracks rupture the microcapsules and release of the encapsulated solvent into the crack plane. Crack healing is achieved by the dissolution and redistribution of thermoplastic-rich regions into the damage volume. Evaporation of the solvent leaves solid thermoplastic in place of the crack and allowing AIE luminogens to aggregate and fluoresce. Using a small load frame that mounts under an optical microscope, we measure full-field surface strains during loading of the composite specimens via digital image correlation (DIC). The self-reporting functionality is evaluated by correlating the presence of microcracks with regions of damage-induced fluorescence. The healing efficiency of the composite specimens is assessed by comparing the applied stress levels and strain fields associated with cracking events pre- and post-healing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationMechanics of Composite, Hybrid and Multifunctional Materials - Proceedings of the 2020 Annual Conference on Experimental and Applied Mechanics
EditorsRaman P. Singh, Vijay Chalivendra
PublisherSpringer
Pages1-3
Number of pages3
ISBN (Print)9783030598679
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
EventSEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, 2020 - Orlando, United States
Duration: Sep 14 2020Sep 17 2020

Publication series

NameConference Proceedings of the Society for Experimental Mechanics Series
ISSN (Print)2191-5644
ISSN (Electronic)2191-5652

Conference

ConferenceSEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics, 2020
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityOrlando
Period9/14/209/17/20

Keywords

  • Microcapsules
  • Self-healing
  • Self-reporting
  • Transverse cracking

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Engineering
  • Computational Mechanics
  • Mechanical Engineering

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