engleski

Preparation and mechanical properties of a self-healing thermoplastic resin reinforced with carbon fibres

Self-healing polymers is a group of diverse materials with rather different properties that appear as both polymeric materials and polymer based composites. When a load is applied to a material, especially dynamic or impact load, a crack can form within a structure where detection is difficult and repair can even be impossible. Cracking leads not only to mechanical and acoustical degradation but in the case of microelectronic polymeric components it can lead to electrical failure. The self-healing process is initiated by the damage itself within the mechanical component. Polymers with self-healing properties may have a possibility to heal intrinsically and extrinsically. For the latter pre-embedded healing agents in the form of micropipes and microcapsules are needed. A catalyst is usually mixed into the base matrix. While extrinsic approaches are generally autonomous, intrinsic systems often require an external trigger for the self-repair process. This can be in a form of thermo-mechanical, electrical, photo- stimuli, etc. Preparation, mechanical properties and healing efficiency of a carbon fibre reinforced thermoplastic resin with previously proven extrinsic self-healing properties is investigated. The composite incorporates uniaxially aligned carbon fibres in a partially neutralised poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomer copolymer. The self-healing of the polymer matrix can be thermally induced and the carbon fibres are improving the mechanical properties of the matrix. Proper parameters for preparation of the composite are important for a successful load transfer from the matrix to the fibres. Ballistic tests on the neat polymer with different weapons were performed. Mechanical properties were tested prior to and after the ballistic tests. The stiffness of the matrix material remains the same, but there is a drop in the strength of the material. The experimental results will be used for development of numerical multiscale methodology with the future final goal of application in aeronautical structures.

Self-healing polymers, ionomer, E/MAA, carbon fibres

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