Preparation of double-core microcapsules and tribological properties of epoxy composites

Double-core microcapsules were prepared via in situ polymerization using poly(urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) as the wall material as well as ionic liquid and linseed oil as the core material. The addition of microcapsules to epoxy matrices can result bifunctional epoxy composites with self-lubricating and self-healing properties. Frictional wear experiments indicated that compared with pure epoxy resin, the friction coefficient of the epoxy composite containing 7 wt% microcapsules was reduced by 93.5% and the wear rate of the composite was reduced by 98%. In addition, the composite material has excellent repair properties for scratches.