Micromechanical assessment of PMMA microcapsules containing epoxy and mercaptan as self-healing agents

Mechanical properties of microcapsule shell have great influence on microcapsule suitability as a mechanical trigger in a self-healing composite. The elastic modulus and hardness of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) microcapsules containing epoxy prepolymer (EC 157) and pentaerythritol tetrakis (3-mercaptopropionate) (PETMP) as healing agents were investigated using nanoindentation technique. The influence of the PMMA average molecular weight (M_W), the kind of core material, and the mechanical mixing rate on the mechanical properties of the microcapsule shell were studied using the Taguchi experimental design approach. The results indicated that the most important factors which affect the elastic modulus and the hardness of microcapsules shell are the Mw of PMMA and the kind of core material. The average elastic modulus of PMMA shell of epoxy and mercaptan-loaded microcapsules was found between 2.386 and 3.495 GPa. The hardness of PMMA shell of healing agent microcapsules was obtained in the range of 0.064–0.219 GPa. This constitutes essential knowledge in order to design capsules with tailored properties for self-healing materials.     

Preparation and characterization of durable micro/nanocapsules for use in self-healing anticorrosive coatings

In the field of coatings, extensive laboratory research has been conducted in the last decade. In the present work, effectiveness of epoxy resin filled micro/nanocapsules was investigated for future using in healing of cracks generated in coatings. Micro/nanocapsules were prepared by in situ polymerization of urea–formaldehyde resin to form shell over epoxy resin droplets. The optimal process parameters for synthesizing the micro/nanocapsules were selected. The as-synthesized capsules were studied by various characterizations techniques, including scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size analyzer (PSA), Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicate that micro/nanocapsules containing epoxy resins can be synthesized successfully. The rough outer surface of microcapsule is composed of agglomerated urea–formaldehyde nanoparticles. They basically exhibit good storage stability at room temperature, and they are chemically stable before the heating temperature is up to approximately 250°C.     

纳米木质素/二氧化硅基微胶囊的制备及在自愈合涂层中的应用

利用磷酸化改性木质素/二氧化硅复合纳米颗粒(PAL/SiO₂)作为壁材包埋活性组分异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯(IPDI)制备微胶囊(PAL/SiO₂-IPDI). 通过加入少量反应活性更高的聚合多甲基多二异氰酸酯(PMDI), 与水反应形成聚脲, 以增加微胶囊的壁厚. 采用光学显微镜、 扫描电子显微镜(SEM)和激光粒度分析仪(DLS)研究了PAL/SiO₂复合纳米粒子掺杂量, 水油比和剪切速率对微胶囊表面形貌、 粒径和壁厚的影响. 结果表明, 所制备的微胶囊呈现规整球形, 壁厚为2.36~3.50 μm, 平均粒径为40.3~201.5 μm. IPDI作为芯材包埋在微胶囊中, 芯材含量约为82.8%. 将制备的PAL/SiO₂-IPDI微胶囊添加到环氧树脂中得到自愈合环氧树脂涂层. 其在高盐浓度溶液中的抗侵蚀测试结果显示, 添加质量分数4%的PAL/SiO₂-IPDI微胶囊的环氧树脂涂层在划破后能够快速愈合, 显著降低基底的腐蚀电流和腐蚀速率. 纳米压痕实验表明, 环氧涂层的硬度为249.99 MPa, 而添加PAL/SiO₂-IPDI微胶囊后硬度增加到302.98 MPa, 弹性模量也有提高.     

Smart Coating Based on Urea-Formaldehyde Microcapsules Loaded with Benzotriazole for Corrosion Protection of Mild Steel in 3.5 % NaCl

Urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsules loaded with linseed oil (LO) and benzotriazole (BTA) as core materials have been synthesized by in situ emulsion polymerization. The capsules were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy and particle size analysis. Surface morphology of the microcapsules was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microcapsules were incorporated into epoxy resin and coated on a mild steel substrate to form a corrosion resistant organic coating. The self-healing property of coatings loaded with different weight % of microcapsules containing LO + BTA was tested by immersion of the UF coated mild steel specimens in 3.5 wt % NaCl solution. It was analyzed through visual inspection, weight loss measurements, and SEM of the scribed region of coating. It was observed that the addition of microcapsules enhances the corrosion resistance of the scratched samples.

     

SbF_5-loaded microcapsules for ultrafast self-healing of polymer

To accelerate self-healing speed of epoxy materials,epoxy-SbF_5 cure was introduced into the healing chemistry.Due to the high activity of SbF_5,a milder SbF_5-ethanoI complex with improved processability was prepared,but it was still quite active and cannot be encapsulated by conventional encapsulation techniques like in situ polymerization.Accordingly,a novel route was proposed.Hollow silica microcapsules were firstly synthesized via sol-gel technique,which were then steeped in ethanol solution of SbF_5-ethanol complex under vacuum,allowing infiltration of the latter into the capsules.The optimal formulation for creating the hollow silica capsules was studied in detail.Moreover,the results of optical pyrometry demonstrated that the encapsulated chemical retained its high reactivity toward the epoxy.     

Quasi- static indentation properties of damaged glass/epoxy composite laminates repaired by the application of intra-ply hybrid patches

The main objective of this paper is to investigate the effect of intra-ply hybrid patches based on glass and Kevlar woven fabrics on the local bending response of adhesive bonded external patch repairs in damaged glass/epoxy composite laminates. In intra ply hybrid patches glass and Kevlar fibre reinforcements are combined in the same layer. The intention, in using these hybrid patches, is to combine the excellent mechanical properties of glass fiber as a brittle reinforcement with the superior high elongation to failure property of Kevlar fiber as a ductile reinforcement. Five different kinds of plain weave woven fabrics with different ratios between glass and Kevlar fibers (100/0, 75/25, 50/50, 25/75 and 0/100) were used as the external patches. The undamaged virgin specimens were taken as a reference for the comparison of residual mechanical properties. Multiple quasi-static indentation tests were carried out on repaired glass/epoxy specimens, and their ultimate indentation load, stiffness and permanent deformation were estimated. Failure mechanisms of repaired glass/epoxy specimens under indentation loads were investigated using online Acoustic Emission (AE) monitoring technique. The indentation loads required for the occurrence of various failure modes were measured to illustrate the chronology of progression of different damage modes with increasing load and the kinetics of the various damage modes individually defined in real time. The use of different hybrid patches had a significant effect on the local bending response of the repaired glass/epoxy specimens. In practice, specimens repaired with patches including equal volume fraction of glass and Kevlar fibers presented a more favorable indentation response than virgin ones and other repaired specimens by exhibiting balanced mechanical properties (i.e., high deflection to ultimate failure associated with superior patch-parent laminate bond strength).     

Thermo-reversible MWCNTs/epoxy polymer for use in self-healing and recyclable epoxy adhesive

A self-healing and recyclable carbon tube/epoxy adhesive was prepared by epoxy monomer with Diels-Alder(DA) bonds, diethylenetriamine and polyethyleneimine modified multi-wall carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs). The self-healing and recyclable ability was attained by thermally reversible Diels-Alder reaction between furan and maleimide in the epoxy monomer. By controlling the molar ratio of furfuryl glycidyl ether and 4,4′-methylenebis(N-phenylmaleimide), the glass transition temperature and mechanical properties of MWCNTs/epoxy adhesives were varied. The self-healing properties of MWCNTs/epoxy polymers were evaluated by lap shear experiment and the results showed that the MWCNTs/epoxy adhesives exhibited enhanced mechanical properties and excellent self-healing ability under heat stimulus. The healing efficiency was related to the molecule mobility and the conversion of DA reaction between furan and maleimide. The MWCNTs/epoxy adhesives also displayed excellent recyclable ability by transforming into soluble polymer under heating. These materials offer a wide range of possibilities to produce materials with healing and recyclable ability and have the potential to bring great benefits to our daily lives by enhancing the safety, performance, and lifetime of products.     

Synthesis and characterization of microencapsulated dicyclopentadiene with melamine–formaldehyde resins

Microcapsules containing healing agents have been used to develop the self-healing polymeric composites. These microcapsules must possess special properties such as appropriate strength and stability in surrounding medium. A new series of microcapsules containing dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) with melamine–formaldehyde (MF) resin as shell material were synthesized by in situ polymerization technology. These microcapsules may satisfy the requirements for self-healing polymeric composites. The chemical structure of microcapsule was identified by using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. The morphology of microcapsule was observed by using optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope. Size distribution and mean diameter of microcapsules were determined with OM. The thermal properties of microcapsules were investigated by using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Additionally, the self-healing efficiency was evaluated. The results indicate that the poly(melamine–formaldehyde) (PMF) microcapsules containing DCPD have been synthesized successfully, and their mean diameters fall in the range of 65.2∼202.0 μm when the adjusting agitation rate varies from 150 to 500 rpm. Increasing the surfactant concentration can decrease the diameters of microcapsules. The prepared microcapsules are thermally stable up to 69 °C. The PMF microcapsules containing DCPD can be applied to polymeric composites to fabricate the self-healing composites.     

Comparison of interfacial properties of electrodeposited single carbon fiber/epoxy composites using tensile and compressive fragmentation tests and acoustic emission

Interfacial and microfailure properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites were evaluated using both tensile fragmentation and compressive Broutman tests with an aid of acoustic emission (AE). A monomeric and two polymeric coupling agents were applied via the electrodeposition (ED) and the dipping applications. A monomeric and a polymeric coupling agent showed significant and comparable improvements in interfacial shear strength (IFSS) compared to the untreated case under both tensile and compressive tests. Typical microfailure modes including cone-shaped fiber break, matrix cracking, and partial interlayer failure were observed under tension, whereas the diagonal slipped failure at both ends of the fractured fiber exhibited under compression. Adsorption and shear displacement mechanisms at the interface were described in terms of electrical attraction and primary and secondary bonding forces. For both the untreated and the treated cases AE distributions were separated well in tension, whereas AE distributions were rather closely overlapped in compression. It might be because of the difference in molecular failure energies and failure mechanisms between tension and compression. The maximum AE voltage for the waveform of either carbon or large-diameter basalt fiber breakages in tension exhibited much larger than that in compression. AE could provide more likely the quantitative information on the interfacial adhesion and microfailure.     

Dual-responsive shape memory and self-healing ability of a novel copolymer from epoxy/cashew nut shell liquid and polycaprolactone

In this work, the blends of epoxy (EP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) with a bio-based curing agent, viz. cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) were studied for their dual-responsive shape memory and self-healing behaviors. The suitable EP/CNSL weight ratio was observed at 70/30. The increase of PCL content up to 20 wt% in EP-CNSL matrix significantly enhanced the shape memory response to both thermal and chemical stimuli. All specimens showed 100% thermo-responsive shape recovery and the recovery time decreased with increasing PCL content. In the case of chemo-responsive shape memory, the immersion times spent for 100% shape recovery in water and methanol substantially decreased when PCL was added. Moreover, after thermal treatment, the EP-CNSL matrix with 20 wt% PCL showed significant self-healing ability with high tensile strength recovery at 93.70%. The EP-CNSL/PCL copolymer could be a promising alternative bio-related smart material for various applications such as dual-activated sensors and coatings with self-healing ability.     

Improvement of interfacial adhesion and nondestructive damage evaluation for plasma-treated PBO and Kevlar fibers/epoxy composites using micromechanical techniques and surface wettability

Comparison of interfacial properties and microfailure mechanisms of oxygen-plasma treated poly(p-phenylene-2,6-benzobisoxazole (PBO, Zylon) and poly(p-phenylene terephthalamide) (PPTA, Kevlar) fibers/epoxy composites were investigated using a micromechanical technique and nondestructive acoustic emission (AE). The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and work of adhesion, Wa, of PBO or Kevlar fiber/epoxy composites increased with oxygen-plasma treatment, due to induced hydrogen and covalent bondings at their interface. Plasma-treated Kevlar fiber showed the maximum critical surface tension and polar term, whereas the untreated PBO fiber showed the minimum values. The work of adhesion and the polar term were proportional to the IFSS directly for both PBO and Kevlar fibers. The microfibril fracture pattern of two plasma-treated fibers appeared obviously. Unlike in slow cooling, in rapid cooling, case kink band and kicking in PBO fiber appeared, whereas buckling in the Kevlar fiber was observed mainly due to compressive and residual stresses. Based on the propagation of microfibril failure toward the core region, the number of AE events for plasma-treated PBO and Kevlar fibers increased significantly compared to the untreated case. The results of nondestructive AE were consistent with microfailure modes.     

微胶囊碳酸氢钠合成工艺及热分解特性的研究

利用环氧树脂(EP)对碳酸氢钠(SB)进行包覆合成微胶囊碳酸氢钠,通过红外光谱仪(FTIR)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、差示扫描量热计(DSC)和热重分析仪(TG)等表征手段,分析了合成反应温度、环氧树脂与碳酸氢钠的质量比对微胶囊碳酸氢钠的结构、表面形貌特征以及热分解特性的影响。结果表明:当反应温度为70℃,环氧树脂与碳酸氢钠的质量比为1∶5时,碳酸氢钠的改性效果较理想,表面形貌比较规整,起始分解温度由118℃提高至154.9℃,分解温度区间从46.3℃缩短到24.8℃;使用微胶囊碳酸氢钠制备的微发泡聚丙烯材料,发泡质量较理想。     

基于多重动态共价键的环氧类玻璃网络的制备与性能

以三羟甲基丙烷三缩水甘油醚(TTE)为基体, 2,2′-(1,4-亚苯基)-双[4-硫醇1,3,2-二氧杂戊烷](BDB)和3,3-二硫代二丙酸(DTDPA)为交联剂, 通过环氧-巯基“点击”反应和环氧-羧酸酯化反应, 制备了基于多重动态共价键(硼酸酯键、 二硫键和酯键)的环氧类玻璃网络. 利用红外光谱和拉曼光谱对其结构进行了表征, 结果表明, 环氧类玻璃中不仅存在硼酸酯键、 二硫键和酯键, 还存在可逆氢键, 并且大量氢键的存在能提高环氧类玻璃的交联度. 对所得环氧网络的热稳定性、 热机械性能和力学性能进行了测试, 并对基于多重动态共价键环氧网络进行了自修复、 焊接、 形状记忆和再加工能力测试. 结果表明, 在80 ℃下可实现网络的完全自修复、 再加工与焊接, 且焊接后样品的力学性能(拉伸强度)恢复率在80%以上, 具有优异的功能性.     

以TDI和IPDI为单体合成聚氨酯微胶囊及其摩擦学性能

分别以甲苯-2,4-二异氰酸酯(TDI)和异佛尔酮二异氰酸酯(IPDI)为单体,通过原位聚合法制备了离子液体@聚脲(PU)微胶囊,并与环氧树脂共混制得环氧树脂复合材料.利用扫描电子显微镜分析了微胶囊及复合材料的表面形貌,通过电子万能试验机和摩擦磨损试验机探究了微胶囊改性复合材料在不同情况下的力学性能和摩擦学性能,用傅里叶变换红外光谱对微胶囊进行表征.分析结果表明,以IPDI为单体合成的微胶囊摩擦学性能更加优异,并且随着微胶囊用量的增加,复合材料的摩擦学性能有明显提高,当微胶囊添加质量分数为20%时,含有微胶囊的复合材料具有较低的滑动摩擦系数并且摩擦面较光滑,这是由于在实验过程中,随着微胶囊壁材的破损,芯材离子液体被释放,形成了一层致密的润滑膜.     

Towards the development of self-healing carbon/epoxy composites with improved potential provided by efficient encapsulation of healing agents in core-shell nanofibers

A self-healing carbon/epoxy composite was fabricated with the incorporation of healing agent loaded core-shell nanofibers between carbon fiber fabric layers. The healing agents, consisting of two components, a low viscosity epoxy resin and its amine-based curing agent, were encapsulated in Styrene acrylonitrile (SAN) nanofibers via a coaxial electrospinning method. Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results confirmed the successful encapsulation of both epoxy and curing agent in SAN nanofiber shells. TGA and the extraction method confirmed a high encapsulation yield (90% for the epoxy resin and 97% for the curing agent). Mechanical studies of the hybrid composite showed that embedding the fabricated core-shell nanofibers did not lead to a reduction in the mechanical properties of host composite, which was corroborated with statistical analysis. Mechanical evaluations and curing behavior studies both showed that incorporation of the aforementioned nanofibers between carbon layers can imbue the conventional carbon/epoxy composite with a self-healing ability, allowing it to repair itself to restore its mechanical properties for up to three cycles at room temperature in absent of any external driving force.     

Interfacial Aspects of Electrodeposited Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Composites Using Monomeric and Polymeric Coupling Agents

Using a monomeric and two polymeric coupling agents, interfacial aspects of electrodeposited (ED) carbon fiber/epoxy composites were investigated by means of fragmentation techniques and acoustic emission (AE). ED results for dipped and untreated fibers under dry and wet conditions were compared. Multifiber-embedded composites (MFC) were prepared for direct comparison. Various treating conditions such as treating time, concentration of coupling agent, and treating temperature were optimized, respectively. The adsorption mechanisms of the coupling agents onto the carbon fiber were analyzed in terms of the electrolyte molecular interactions during ED process, due to chain mobility in the aqueous solution. The microfailure mechanisms occurring from fiber breaks, and matrix and interlayer cracks were examined by AE parameters. The interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of ED-treated carbon fibers was much higher than that of the other two cases under dry and wet conditions. Well-separated AE groups were found for the untreated, the dipped, and the ED-treated cases, and significantly more AE events occurred from the ED interlayer failure between fiber and matrix than from the untreated and even than from the dipping cases. AE events from different-type interlayers may be correlated with IFSS based on the differing mechanical and chemical roles of the interlayers. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.     

Urea-Formaldehyde Microcapsules Containing an Epoxy Resin: Influence of Reaction Parameters on the Encapsulation Yield

In this work urea-formaldehyde microcapsules containing an epoxy resin are prepared by in situ polymerization of monomers in an oil-in-water emulsion. Scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) was performed to investigate on microcapsule size and surface morphology. Calorimetric and spectroscopic analyses were carried out with the aim of evaluate the encapsulation yield and the shell features. Factors determining the microencapsulability of the core material were described. In particular, our interest was devoted to a better understanding of the influence of the reaction parameters on the microcapsule properties. It was found that the encapsulation yield as well as the extent of urea-formaldehyde polymerization depends on the reaction temperature and the stirring speed.     

Dynamic mechanical properties of glass-filled epoxy resin

Composite specimens were prepared using soda glass beads and a purified epoxy resin cured with 1,3-propylene diamine. Some beads were treated with a silane coupling agent. The dynamic mechanical properties of these specimens were measured in the temperature range ?190 to +180°C using a free-oscillation torsion pendulum. The dynamic mechanical relaxation spectrum showed no feature that could be attributed to the formation of a new interfacial phase and the torsional moduli were unaffected by the use of the coupling agent. Increasing the glass content of the specimens decreased the damping and increased the modulus. An attempt was made to predict the composite modulus using the Kerner equation. When the specimens were immersed in boiling water, two effects were noted. First, water was absorbed in the epoxy resin matrix and changes in the dynamic spectrum were observed. Second, in samples filled with untreated glass debonding occurred and the presence of free water at the interface was indicated by the appearance of a new peak near 0°C.     

Efficient Entrapment of Oxirane Ring Containing Compounds in Thermally Stable Poly(urea-formaldehyde) Polymer Shell Wall

This article aims to address the problems associated with the encapsulation of oxirane ring containing compounds in poly(urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) shell for application in self-healing composite systems. The main objectives were to produce non-agglomerated, stable microcapsules, and to control the pH drop during the encapsulation via oil-in-water emulsion polymerization. In the modified method; two stage additions of urea and formaldehyde monomers, core to shell ratio, weight percent and combination of two surfactants/emulsifiers were altered to produce the desired product. Analysis was done with optical microscope (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), FTIR, particle size analyzer, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The pH drop was confirmed by using a common epoxy resin, an epoxy functionalized polydimethylsiloxane (E-PDMS), and epoxidized palm oil (EPO) as cores. The modified oil-in-water emulsion polymerization of PUF was effective in preventing the pH drop during the encapsulation and a product stable for more than 3 months with less agglomeration was produced. The method produced microcapsules having diameters less than 100 μm at lower agitation rates. The modified method is only applicable to epoxy resin and not for compounds like amine hardeners. The use of stable microcapsules in self-healing coatings can lead towards cost reduction implied for repair and maintenance purposes.     

高性能自修复微胶囊预聚物组成的研究

为了指导高性能自修复微胶囊的制备研究, 利用偏光显微熔点仪、红外光谱和核磁共振氢谱定量研究了微胶囊预聚物组成随反应条件如反应温度、pH 值和甲醛-尿素物质的量比的变化. 研究结果表明, 升高体系温度和pH 值都会显著促进副反应的发生从而降低产物中二羟甲基脲的产率; 而提高甲醛-尿素的物质的量比, 二羟甲基脲的产率增加,同时三羟甲基脲的产率降低. 此外, 还研究了升温过程中反应体系的温度变化情况. 研究发现: 升温速率一定时, 反应体系的温度变化均匀, 没有温度骤变阶段.