Result of vascular tube design on the curative and mechanical performance of modified carbon fibers/hybrid resin self‐healing composites

Abstract The current study focuses on the design of healing carriers (vascular tube) for enhancing the healing behavior and mechanical properties of healing composites by reinforcing hybrid resin (vinyl ester:epoxy [80:20]) with phenol‐treated carbon fibers and inserting macrovascular tubes by using the vacuum‐assisted resin transfer mold (VARTM) process. Epoxy, vinyl ester (VE), and hybrid resin (HR) were incorporated in the vascular tubes as healing agents and introduced in three designs. The effect of phenol treatment on carbon fiber was analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and SEM analyses, which refers to the occurring of structural and morphological changes and tensile strength of composite increased 7% higher than untreated composite. The self‐healing composites were impacted using a drop‐weight machine at constant impact energy, and the noticeable crack is recorded for understanding mechanical strength and healing performance. The results were supportively confirmed by observing internal damage with ultrasonic C‐scan technology. The impact results showed a better bearing capacity for design 2 during the initial impact test for different curing agents (VE, epoxy, and HR). The healing efficiency and mechanical properties were high for the composites infused with VE and hybrid resin. The present study will contribute toward self‐healing research for potential applications in the engineering sector.