Project 1: Design and assessment of self-healing polymers and composites
Adviser(s): Scott White (Professor, Aerospace Engineering)
Project description: Inspired by biological systems in which damage triggers an autonomic healing response, structural polymers and polymer matrix composites have been recently developed that possess the ability to self-heal. Self-healing is accomplished via micro-encapsulated healing agents embedded within a polymer matrix. Damage triggers the release of the healing agent and subsequent polymerization and repair (Fig. 1).
One promising healing chemistry based on the ring opening-metathesispolymerization (ROMP) of dicyclopentadiene and Grubbs’ catalyst has yielded static fracture recovery in excess of 90% and greatly extended fatigue life. In recent research, advancements in materials integration and tailored chemical activity have enabled more efficient healing, faster recovery, and more stable systems. In addition, new healing chemistries and alternate healing approaches are being explored with utility in a variety of structural polymer and polymer composite applications.
Student background and expected research activities: In this project, which combines solid mechanics, materials science and chemistry, the REU student will be involved in a wide range of experimental techniques including processing, mechanical testing and microscopy.
Fig. 1. Self-healing polymer in action. A microencapsulated healing agent (tagged with red dye) is released into the fracture plane behind the propagating crack front that dissects the image from left to right. The capsules in front of the crack (top of image) remain unbroken.
