Patent ID: 11613088

Abstract:
Disclosed herein is an intrinsically self-healing composite based upon in situ thermal remendability of an embedded polymeric interphase. The fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) material may incorporate a thermoset polymer with a defined glass transition temperature (Tg) and/or a thermoplastic material of amorphous or semi-crystalline nature. The polymeric interphase can be incorporated as a plurality of particles, fibers, meshes, films, or 3D-printed structures. The self-healing composite includes a resistive heating component as a structural element that minimizes electrical energy demand and impact on mechanical integrity. Healing occurs in situ via resistive heating and can be enabled below, at, or above the glass-transition temperature of the FRC matrix, demonstrating viability for in-service repair under sustained loads. In addition to providing rapid healing functionality, the polymeric interphase increases inherent resistance to interlaminar fracture. Repeated heal cycles have been achieved in a double cantilever beam (DCB) fracture test without significant degradation in performance.