Phenomenological modelling of self-healing polymers

Mergheim J, Steinmann P (2013)


Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2013

Journal

Publisher: Springer Verlag (Germany)

Book Volume: 52

Pages Range: 681-692

Journal Issue: 3

DOI: 10.1007/s00466-013-0840-0

Abstract

The present contribution introduces a phenomenological model for self-healing polymers. Self-healing polymers are a promising class of materials which mimic nature by their capability to autonomously heal micro-cracks. This self-healing is accomplished by the integration of microcapsules containing a healing agent and a dispersed catalyst into the matrix material. Propagating microcracks may then break the capsules which releases the healing agent into the microcracks where it polymerizes with the catalyst, closes the crack and ’heals’ the material. The present modelling approach treats these processes at the macroscopic scale, the microscopic details of crack propagation and healing are thus described by means of continuous damage and healing variables. The formulation of the healing model accounts for the fact that healing is directly associated with the curing process of healing agent and catalyst. The model is implemented and its capabilities are studied by means of numerical examples.

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How to cite

APA:

Mergheim, J., & Steinmann, P. (2013). Phenomenological modelling of self-healing polymers. Computational Mechanics, 52(3), 681-692. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00466-013-0840-0

MLA:

Mergheim, Julia, and Paul Steinmann. "Phenomenological modelling of self-healing polymers." Computational Mechanics 52.3 (2013): 681-692.

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