Interlaminar Shear Strength and Self-Healing of Spread Carbon Fiber/Epoxy Laminates Containing Microcapsules

Abstract

This study examines interlaminar shear strength and self-healing of spread carbon fiber (SCF)/epoxy (EP) laminates．Self-healing is accomplished by incorporating a microencapsulated healing agent and catalyst within the epoxy matrix. Short beam shear specimens of self-healing SCF/EP laminates were prepared and tested. The healing efficiency was evaluated by the strain energies of virgin and healed specimens．The effects of spread width, stacking sequence and microcapsule concentration on the apparent interlaminar shear strength and healing efficiency are discussed．The damage area of the healed specimens was also examined by an optical microscope.