Free radical polymerization aided self-healing. (January 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Chun Yuan; Jiang, Xiao Bo; Rong, Min Zhi; Zhang, Ming Qiu
• Other Names: Bond Ian P guest-editor.; Trask Richard S guest-editor.; Varley Russell J guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Journal of intelligent material systems and structures. Volume 25:Number 1(2014:Jan.)
• Page Start: 31
• Page End: 39
• Publication Date: 2014-01
• Subjects: Smart polymers -- self-healing -- epoxy -- microencapsulation -- free radical polymerization; Smart materials -- Periodicals; Intelligent control systems -- Periodicals; Artificial intelligence -- Periodicals; Matériaux intelligents -- Périodiques; Commande intelligente -- Périodiques; Intelligence artificielle -- Périodiques; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1177/1045389X12453961
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1045-389X

Abstract

To impart self-healing ability to epoxy, styrene-loaded and benzoyl peroxide–loaded microcapsules were prepared by in situ polymerization in emulsion using melamine–formaldehyde resin as the wall former. Afterward, the two types of microcapsules were embedded in epoxy to produce self-healing epoxy composite. Upon fracture of the material, the core substances in the broken capsules were released and polymerization of styrene initiated by benzoyl peroxide took place, rebinding the cracked planes. The parameters for manufacturing the microcapsules and the factors that influence healing efficiency of the system were discussed in detail.