Silica-protected micron and sub-micron capsules and particles for self-healing at the microscale

A generalized silica coating scheme is used to functionalize and protect sub-micron and micron size dicyclopentadiene monomer-filled capsules and polymer-protected Grubbs' catalyst particles. These capsules and particles are used for self-healing of microscale damage in an epoxy-based polymer. The silica layer both protects the capsules and particles, and limits their aggregation when added to an epoxy matrix, enabling the capsules and particles to be dispersed at high concentrations with little loss of reactivity. A generalized silica coating scheme is used to functionalize and protect micron size monomer-filled capsules and polymer-protected catalyst particles for use in small size-scale self-healing applications. The silica layer adds functionality and protection that allows the capsules and particles to be dispersed at high concentrations with little loss of reactivity. These components are incorporated into epoxy to demonstrate self-healing capability in bulk polymers.