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Cyclic Olefin Copolymer Interleaves for Thermally Mendable Carbon/Epoxy Laminates
Riccardo Costan Zovi1,2, Haroon Mahmood1,2, Andrea Dorigato1,2
1Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy.
Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) foils act as effective intrinsic healing agents in carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced epoxy laminates. Resistive heating of CFs activates COC to heal damage, significantly improving laminate toughness.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Science
- Composite Materials
Background:
- Carbon fiber (CF)-reinforced epoxy (EP) laminates are advanced composites.
- Intrinsic self-healing capabilities are desirable for extending material lifespan.
- Cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) is explored as a thermoplastic healing agent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate COC foils as intrinsic thermoplastic healing agents in CF/EP laminates.
- To evaluate the effect of COC thickness on laminate properties and healing efficiency.
- To assess resistive heating via CFs for activating the healing mechanism.
Main Methods:
- COC foils (44 μm and 77 μm) were interleaved in CF/EP laminates during hand layup.
- Mechanical properties were tested before and after thermal healing.
- Healing efficiency was quantified using mode I interlaminar fracture toughness tests.
- Resistive heating through CFs activated the COC healing at ~190 °C.
Main Results:
- COC introduction decreased fiber volume fraction and increased porosity, reducing initial mechanical properties.
- Healed CF/EP laminates with 44 μm and 77 μm COC showed healing efficiencies of 164% and 100%, respectively.
- Neat CF/EP laminates without COC exhibited only 2% healing efficiency.
- Resistive heating effectively activated COC's intrinsic healing mechanism.
Conclusions:
- COC foils are effective intrinsic healing agents for CF/EP laminates.
- Resistive heating of CFs provides an efficient method for activating COC-based self-healing.
- COC-enhanced self-healing significantly restores fracture toughness in damaged composites.
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