Effect of matrix modification by addition of fillers on the interlaminar shear strength and healing efficiency of spread carbon fiber/woven carbon fiber reinforced polymers encompassing self-healing

Abstract

This study examines the effect of matrix modification by addition of fillers on the interlaminar shear strength and healing efficiency of spread carbon fiber (SCF)/woven carbon fiber (WCF)/epoxy (EP) laminates encompassing self-healing. The SCF/WCF/EP laminates with fillers and microcapsules containing a healing agent mixed with a UV fluorescent dye were fabricated. The fillers used were talc and cellulose nanofiber (CNF). The short beam shear testing was carried out to evaluate the apparent interlaminar shear strength and healing efficiency of the laminates. Moreover, the damaged areas after testing were observed under UV light to investigate the relation between the microstructure and the damage behavior. Results showed that the damage behavior of the laminates modified with fillers changed, and the healing efficiency of the laminates with fillers increased compared to that without fillers.