Self-Repairing Behavior of Shape Memory Composites

Abstract

A shape memory composite plate has been produced by adding a shape memory interlayer between two carbon-fibre epoxy-matrix prepregs. A Small plate has been obtained which was used for testing under bending at different rates up to the final failure. The first test was performed at low rate and final damage was recovered by heating. A second bending test was performed on the self-repaired plate at high rate. As a result, a good shape recovery after damaging has been observed and a fairly good residual stiffness was measured. The residual stiffness after shape recovery was about 80% and the composite plate was able to withstand a second test at higher rate (with a residual strength about 40%). Results show that it is possible to combine shape recovery of shape memory polymers with structural properties of composite materials: the goal is producing composite structural