Preparation and characterization of amine/PMMA microcapsules for self-healing epoxy-based composites

PMMA microcapsules containing amine curing agent were prepared through internal phase separation method. Chemical structure and morphology of amine microcapsules were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), respectively. The results showed the amine microcapsules have core-shell morphology with smooth surfaces. The size distribution of amine microcapsules was very narrow and uniform and the mean diameter of these microcapsules was about 1 μm. The amine/PMMA microcapsules which was produced in this study can have a good potential for self-healing epoxy-based composites.

Keywords:

Curing agent , internal phase separation , morphology , self-healing composite