Inkjet Assisted Creation of Self-Healing Layers Between Composite Plies
Abstract
This project aimed to design and optimize a novel composite system using self-healing agent deposited in microscopically-ordered arrays through ink-jet printing, to arrest cracks along interfaces between composite plies. Novel aspects included the method itself, the highly-controlled crack arrest mechanism provided by self-healing microdroplets between plies, and the ability to rapidly transfer this technology into a prepreg manufacturing process. The approach consisted of depositing novel thermoplastic low-viscosity microdroplets with chemically and mechanically comparable properties to epoxy matrix in aerospace grade composites onto fiber-reinforced epoxy prepregs before curing using an ink-jet system. The report focuses on the most successful configuration using poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on Boeing-accredited toughened carbon fiber epoxy prepreg Cycom977-2. Double cantilever beam (DCB) and short beam shear (SBS) tests were used to evaluate the self-healing efficiency. It was shown that carefully selected printed self-healing agents increased both shear modulus and fracture toughness simultaneously, without imparting any parasitic weight, and restored the properties of the damaged and self-healed composite to a large degree following post-damage heat treatment. A patent application has been submitted by the University of Sheffield.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 29, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA587429
Entities
People
- Alma Hodzic
- Patrick T Smith
Organizations
- University of Sheffield