Fabrication and characterization of nature fiber based Self-healing composite materials.

Abstract

Recent research has focused on microcapsule-based self-healing polymer composites, offering significant potential for repairing damaged polymeric materials. In this study, microcapsule-based jute fiber-reinforced epoxy self-healing composites were manufactured using the vacuum bagging technique. Epoxy was combined with 3 wt.% of water-insoluble and water-soluble epoxy microcapsules that were synthesized by the in-situ polymerization method. The resulting composite underwent assessment for healing efficiency via impact strength recovery. Incorporating microcapsules within the cracked surface of the composite facilitated healing, demonstrating notable improvements in efficiency. Results indicated that the epoxy composite healed from a 1 mm deep crack exhibited higher impact strength recovery than samples healed from a 1.5 mm deep crack, with healing efficiencies of 83.9% and 78.89%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis showed that the microcapsule size varies from 1.45 μm to 1.83 μm. FTIR spectra confirmed the presence of relevant chemical groups in both microcapsules and the composite.