The flexural properties of self healing fiber reinforced polymer composites

Abstract

Fiber reinforced polymer composites have a complex damage prediction and repair mechanism. Such complexities made the researchers to implement new techniques like self healing. Amendments in the existing material can modify its properties. So, it is necessary to study the change in property due to inclusion of self healing in fiber reinforced composite materials. This work aims to investigate the self recovery response of composites prepared by reinforcing glass fibers and carbon fibers in epoxy matrix. The healing was achieved by inclusion of dual microcapsules made of epoxy and hardener encased in separate capsules. To investigate the recovery activity of the composite laminate, a 5mm diameter indentation was produced at the centre of specimen and the healing was monitored by measuring the diameter of indentation after 12 hrs and 24 hrs. To notice the influence of micro-inclusions on flexural strength, flexural test was conducted on neat, indented and healed specimens. It was observed that inclusion of microcapsules did not majorly alter flexural strength of glass fiber reinforced and carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. Results also indicated complete healing of both carbon fiber reinforced polymer and glass fiber reinforced polymer composite specimens with healing efficiency of 103.4% and 101.8% respectively.