Epoxy Thermosets with Self-Healing Ability

A hybrid epoxy resin with intrinsic self healing properties has been prepared from a bifunctional Diels-Alder (DA) adduct. The obtained network, based on conventional Diglycidyl ether of Bisphenol A (DGEBA) and DA epoxy, leads to simultaneous tuning of physical-chemical properties and healing capability. The self-repairing behavior has been verified by means of scratch recovery observation and micromechanical analysis. A satisfactory morphological and mechanical recovery has been achieved by thermal stimulus, leading to very promising application in the field of adhesives and structural applications.