Effect of embedded catalytic self-healing on carbon fibre reinforced polymer composites

A catalytic healing agent, Sc(OTf)3 (scandium triflate), is incorporated into fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) specimens during hand layup. Following cure of the host material, the catalytic healing agent (CHA) is shown to remain functional and can be used to achieve effective repair in damaged specimens. The distribution of catalyst within the fracture plane of double cantilever beam (DCB) specimens is varied in order to assess the impact on pristine material properties and healing efficiency. The inclusion of this healing functionality has been shown to have no detrimental impact on pristine material fracture toughness. Following initial failure and exposure of the catalyst, delivery of an epoxy monomer and subsequent curing effects re-bonding of the fracture surfaces. While the localised nature of the catalyst leads to localised repair, full strength recovery has been achieved by repairing as little as 15% of the fracture surface.