Synthesis of restorative microcapsules having vinyl ester healing medicine for hybrid resin/modified carbon fiber self-healing composites

In this study, we aimed to synthesize restorative microcapsules using aminopropyl triethoxy silane through a combination of both microemulsions with a sol–gel technique and vinyl ester resin used as a healing component. The characteristic features of the microcapsules were analyzed by FTIR, XRD, and SEM and confirmed by the formation of core-shell microspheres with desired properties. The fabricated core-shell microspheres were reinforced into a hybrid resin (vinyl ester (80): epoxy (20)/silane modified carbon fiber composites) using the hand lay-up method. The effect of the microspheres on the mechanical and self-healing properties of composites was investigated. The mechanical test results showed a significant improvement in the flexural and impact strength by approximately 23% and 30%, respectively. The healing property was observed using the flexural test and the results indicated that the recovered strength almost 74% of the composites after initial damage was due to the healing medicine released from the broken portion of the core-shell microspheres that filled and cured the cracked area of the composites.