Microstructure optimizations for improving interlaminar shear strength and self-healing efficiency of spread carbon fiber/epoxy laminates containing microcapsules

The purpose of this study is to improve interlaminar shear strength and self-healing efficiency of spread carbon fiber (SCF)/epoxy (EP) laminates containing microcapsules. Microencapsulated healing agents were embedded within the laminates to impart a self-healing functionality. Self-healing was demonstrated on short beam shear specimens, and the healing efficiency was evaluated by strain energies of virgin and healed specimens. The effects of microcapsule concentration and diameter on apparent interlaminar shear strength and healing efficiency were discussed. Moreover, damaged areas after short beam shear tests were examined by an optical microscope to investigate the relation between the microstructure and the healing efficiency of the laminates. The results showed that the stiffness and the apparent interlaminar shear strength of the laminates increased as the microcapsule concentration and diameter decreased. However, the healing efficiency decreased with decreasing the microcapsule concentration and diameter.