PVDF green nanofibers as potential carriers for improving self-healing and mechanical properties of carbon fiber/epoxy prepregs

Abstract

Abstract The novel aligned polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) green core–shell nanofibers were reinforced to carbon fiber/epoxy prepregs and were manufactured through the vacuum bagging technique. Aligned nanofibers were achieved by suspending a grounded needle between the nozzle and the collector of electrospinning. The self-healing properties were tested through a periodic three-point bending test at an interval of 24 h at room temperature. The healing behavior was further confirmed through field-emission scanning electron microscopy coupled with dispersion X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and an electrical conductivity test. The self-healing prepregs (1038.42 MPa) regained 66% of their original strength (1577.85 MPa) after the initial damage. EDX analysis confirmed the elements of the resin (VE (C, O)) and hardener (MEKP (C, O), CN (C, O, Co)) from the ruptured healing carriers. The damaged carbon prepregs healed by showing electrical conductivity of around 83%. The mechanical properties of self-healing composites were tested by tensile, flexural, and Izod impact tests and showed an increment in both flexural (7–12%) and impact strength (5–7%) with the addition of nanofibers. Overall, the research findings provided a design of eco-friendly carriers for carbon fiber-reinforced composites to obtain decent self-healing properties without deteriorating the mechanical strength.