Efficiency determination in self-healing polymer matrix composites reinforced with shape memory wires

In this research, a new method for creation of self-healing properties in laminated composites based on thermally reversible resin (Diels-Alder) and embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) wires was presented. The SMA exerts pressure on the matrix cracks while the resin reform itself resulting in crack closure in the composites. In the present study, to determine the effect of presence of SMA wires on the self-healing process, appropriate number of SMA wires and the required pre-strains as well as the locations of the wires were obtained by the finite element method. Then, glass-fiber/self-healing resin composite specimens with and without SMA wires were fabricated and examined by the four-point bending test. The SMA wires were pre-strained by 2%. The results show that in the best case SMA wires lead to 126.4% and 113.5% healing efficiency for the flexural strength and flexural modulus, respectively, while in other cases the wires lead to lower efficiency or even degrade the mechanical properties and again reduced the recovery efficiency

Keywords:

self-healing resins , shape memory alloy wires , healing efficiency , laminated composites