Self-healing Epoxy with Epoxy-amine Dual-capsule Healing System

A new type of epoxy composite with self-healing functionality was successfully developed in this work. Self-healing is achieved via embedded microcapsules containing diglycidyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate(DGCHD) and microcapsules containing modified aliphatic amine( HB-1618) hardener. This paper also investigated the preparation and properties of curing agent microcapsule which was prepared by the solvent evaporation method. Recovery of impact strength is assessed through izod notched impact testing for impact specimens. It was found that the content of both microcapsules largely influenced the healing efficiency at a certain range. As a result, the optimal filling contents of epoxy-containing microcapsules and hardener-containing microcapsules embedded in the epoxy matrix are 6 wt. % and 9 wt. %, offering a similar to 65.6% healing efficiency. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) photos of fracture surface before and after healing process proved that the healing process was successfully realized.