Experimental Investigation of Mechanical‐Healing Performance of Graphene Nanoplate‐Reinforced Microcapsule‐Based Composites Under Static and Dynamic Loadings

ABSTRACT This study investigated the mechanical properties, healing behavior, and healing efficiency of reinforced microcapsule‐based glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) composites under static and dynamic loading. Self‐healing microcapsules and an imidazole‐based catalyst were synthesized. Subsequently, composite samples were fabricated via the hand lay‐up method, incorporating glass fibers and varying graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) contents of 0.15, 0.3, 0.45 wt%. Samples were damaged using a quasi‐static penetration test with forces of 1300 N and 700 N, followed by heat treatment at 140°C for 1 h to initiate healing. Mechanical properties and healing efficiency were assessed through three‐point flexural and Charpy impact tests. Furthermore, Weibull analysis was applied to assess the reliability and statistical consistency of healing performance. The results indicated that the addition of 0.15 and 0.3 wt% GNP enhanced flexural strength by 12.36% and 31.14%, respectively. However, 0.45 wt% GNP led to agglomeration, reducing flexural strength. Impact energy absorption increased considerably, with the 0.45 wt% GNP samples absorbing 16.21 J, representing a 30.72% improvement. Additionally, GNP improved healing efficiency, highlighting its effectiveness in enhancing self‐healing composites; thus, the average healing efficiency of the sample containing 0.15 wt% GNP increased by 13.82% compared to the sample without GNP.