On the flexural strength of self-healing E-glass/epoxy composites containing micro-vascular channels

Occurrence of damage is considered as an unavoidable fact in fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). For this reason, the self-healing systems could extend the service life time of materials by implementing the concept of autonomous or induced repair. In the present study, a self-healing E-glass/epoxy composite laminate based on microvascular channels has been designed and fabricated. The self-healing system consists of vascular networks having two various parts of ML-506 epoxy resin and HA-11 hardener. Micro-channels containing healing agent of 2 vol. % were created in composites and the effect of healing time was considered. Here, the response of the specimens subjected tothree-point bending test was investigated. The highest recovery of flexural strength (about 65%) was observed after 7 days from the initial damage.

Keywords:

Self-healing , Micro-vascular channels , Flexural strength , Healing