(210c) Remendable Interfaces for Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites

Interfacial damage is a major source of failure in fiber-reinforced composites.  We have developed a method of healing at the resin-reinforcement interface based on the Diels-Alder reaction of furan and maleimide.  The polymer network is a furan-functionalized epoxy-amine thermoset, while the reinforcement material is maleimide-functionalized glass fiber.  Compatible functionalization of the polymer matrix and glass fiber results in a thermoreversible and remendable interface.  Healing is induced by heating and subsequent cooling, allowing for Diels-Alder bonds to degrade and subsequently reform.  Additionally, we have created a novel method of healing efficiency calculation in which any frictional or inertial forces are discounted.  Therefore, any positive healing efficiency value is the result of the healing procedure.  Based on this method of determining healing efficiency, the system reported demonstrates 42% healing efficiency with healing possible for up to five cycles.  Strategies for characterizing Diels-Alder reaction kinetics at this interface and the development and characterization of alternate remendable interfaces will also be presented.