An integrated strategy to promote self-healing at interface in composites based on Diels-Alder epoxy

The self-healing polymers are a class of smart materials able to recover after sustaining damage. An epoxy resins containing Diels-Alder (D-A) adducts in the backbone and related single-fiber composites were prepared and characterized. A chemical treatment was implemented at the interphase between glass fiber and polymeric matrix in order to induce the interphase healing capability. The synergistic effect of self-healing at the interphase and in bulk resin has been assessed. The overall recovery mechanism has been investigated by means of micro-droplet pull out test and spectroscopic analysis.