Self-healing polymer coatings

K. S. Toohey, S. R. White, Nancy R Sottos

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

Abstract

Inspired by biological systems in which damage triggers an autonomic healing response, structural polymeric materials have been developed that possess the ability to self-heal. First generation self-healing composites incorporate healing agent filled microcapsules and catalyst particles in an epoxy matrix. Although high healing efficiencies have been achieved using this concept, only a limited supply of healing agent is available. If the same crack were to open again, in general a second healing would not be possible. In this paper, we report on a second generation of self-healing composites that utilize an interconnected microvascular network to flow healing agent throughout the matrix. This concept is applied to heal a coating on a substrate containing a microchannel network. A new protocol is developed for coated networks, which entails testing virgin samples in four-point bending until cracks initiate in the coating. The onset of cracking leads to a distinct load drop and corresponding decrease in the bending stiffness. The sample is then allowed to heal (healing agent from the channels permeates the cracks and interacts with a catalyst suspended in the coating) and is retested. The results from this microvascular system are compared with appropriate controls as well as healing efficiencies of a microcapsule coating system.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the 2005 SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics
Pages241-244
Number of pages4
StatePublished - 2005
Event2005 SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics - Portland, OR, United States
Duration: Jun 7 2005Jun 9 2005

Other

Other2005 SEM Annual Conference and Exposition on Experimental and Applied Mechanics
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityPortland, OR
Period6/7/056/9/05

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

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