Mechanical Properties of a Microcapsule-Containing Epoxy for Self-Healing Applications

Abstract

The addition of microencapsulated healing agent or catalyst in a polymer matrix can potentially change its mechanical properties and processing characteristics. The extent of this change depends on the volume fraction of the additives, the level of interfacial interaction, and the inherent properties of the additives. For a self-healing concept to be viable, the healing performance should be achieved without compromising the overall processing and mechanical properties of the polymer matrix. In this study, tensile and dynamic mechanical properties were investigated and discussed for an amine-cured epoxy dispersed with different loadings of microcapsules.