scholarly journals Intrinsic Self-Healing Epoxies in Polymer Matrix Composites (PMCs) for Aerospace Applications

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 201
Author(s):  
Stefano Paolillo ◽  
Ranjita K. Bose ◽  
Marianella Hernández Santana ◽  
Antonio M. Grande

This article reviews some of the intrinsic self-healing epoxy materials that have been investigated throughout the course of the last twenty years. Emphasis is placed on those formulations suitable for the design of high-performance composites to be employed in the aerospace field. A brief introduction is given on the advantages of intrinsic self-healing polymers over extrinsic counterparts and of epoxies over other thermosetting systems. After a general description of the testing procedures adopted for the evaluation of the healing efficiency and the required features for a smooth implementation of such materials in the industry, different self-healing mechanisms, arising from either physical or chemical interactions, are detailed. The presented formulations are critically reviewed, comparing major strengths and weaknesses of their healing mechanisms, underlining the inherent structural polymer properties that may affect the healing phenomena. As many self-healing chemistries already provide the fundamental aspects for recyclability and reprocessability of thermosets, which have been historically thought as a critical issue, perspective trends of a circular economy for self-healing polymers are discussed along with their possible advances and challenges. This may open up the opportunity for a totally reconfigured landscape in composite manufacturing, with the net benefits of overall cost reduction and less waste. Some general drawbacks are also laid out along with some potential countermeasures to overcome or limit their impact. Finally, present and future applications in the aviation and space fields are portrayed.

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 644 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vijay Kumar ◽  
Balaganesan ◽  
Lee ◽  
Neisiany ◽  
Surendran ◽  
...  

This review paper initially summarizes the latest developments in impact testing on polymer matrix composites collating the various analytical, numerical, and experimental studies performed since the year 2000. Subsequently, the scientific literature investigating nanofiller reinforced polymer composite matrices as well as self-healing polymer matrix composites by incorporating core-shell nanofibers is reviewed in-depth to provide a perspective on some novel advances in nanotechnology that have led to composite developments. Through this review, researchers can gain a representative idea of the state of the art in nanotechnology for polymer matrix composite engineering, providing a platform for further study of this increasingly industrially significant material, and to address the challenges in developing the next generation of advanced, high-performance materials.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 723-736 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elisa Calabrese ◽  
Pasquale Longo ◽  
Carlo Naddeo ◽  
Annaluisa Mariconda ◽  
Luigi Vertuccio ◽  
...  

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to highlight the relevant role of the stereochemistry of two Ruthenium catalysts on the self-healing efficiency of aeronautical resins.Design/methodology/approachHere, a very detailed evaluation on the stereochemistry of two new ruthenium catalysts evidences the crucial role of the spatial orientation of phenyl groups in the N-heterocyclic carbene ligands in determining the temperature range within the curing cycles is feasible without deactivating the self-healing mechanisms (ring-opening metathesis polymerization reactions) inside the thermosetting resin. The exceptional activity and thermal stability of the HG2MesPhSyncatalyst, with the syn orientation of phenyl groups, highlight the relevant potentiality and the future perspectives of this complex for the activation of the self-healing function in aeronautical resins.FindingsThe HG2MesPhSyncomplex, with the syn orientation of the phenyl groups, is able to activate metathesis reactions within the highly reactive environment of the epoxy thermosetting resins, cured up to 180°C, while the other stereoisomer, with the anti-orientation of the phenyl groups, does not preserve its catalytic activity in these conditions.Originality/valueIn this paper, a comparison between the self-healing functionality of two catalytic systems has been performed, using metathesis tests and FTIR spectroscopy. In the field of the design of catalytic systems for self-healing structural materials, a very relevant result has been found: a slight difference in the molecular stereochemistry plays a key role in the development of self-healing materials for aeronautical and aerospace applications.


2006 ◽  
Vol 324-325 ◽  
pp. 663-666 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maciej S. Kumosa

In this work, potential problems with the application of polymer matrix composites (PMC) in extreme environments [1] is discussed. Then, two specific examples of the applications of PMCs in high voltage [2-7] and high temperature [8-15] situations are evaluated. The first example deals with damage evolution in high voltage composite insulators [2-7] with PMC rods subjected to a combined action of extreme mechanical, electrical and environmental stresses. These insulators are widely used in transmission line and substation applications around the world. Subsequently, advanced high temperature graphite/polyimide composites [8-15] are evaluated for aerospace applications. The composite investigated in this project were used to manufacture and successfully test a Rocket Based Combined Cycle (RBCC) third-generation, reusable liquid propellant rocket engine, which is one possible engine for a future single-stage-to-orbit vehicle [8].


2018 ◽  
Vol 48 (1) ◽  
pp. 83-106
Author(s):  
Sławomir Augustyn ◽  
Rafał Kowalski

Abstract This publication presented the main issues related to fatigue of polymer composite materials. It was featured a fatigue stress test based on composite sample, made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer, using the four-point bending method. The test was carried out with the initial load and using positive load cycles. The perspectives of diagnostics and self-healing of composite materials, including intelligent materials, were also presented.


Author(s):  
Subhash K. Naik ◽  
James K. Sutter ◽  
Widen Tabakoff ◽  
Robert G. Siefker ◽  
Harold S. Haller ◽  
...  

Polymer matrix composites (PMCs) are attractive for use in propulsion engine components due to their high specific strength. The use of composites could be even more advantageous if the sand erosion life of the component were extended, thereby reducing maintenance costs. NASA Glenn Research Center (NASA GRC) and Rolls-Royce Corporation have developed erosion resistant coatings that can extend PMC component life and are applicable to current available and advanced high temperature PMCs. This paper describes the performance of SANPRES and SANRES, two similar erosion resistant coating systems that were subjected to engine test conditions on Rolls-Royce AE 3007 engine bypass vanes.


Author(s):  
D.G. Zimcik

Advanced composite materials are playing an increasingly important role in the design and fabrication of high performance space structures. Composite materials may be tailored for a particular application to establish a unique combination of high specific stiffness and strength, dimensional stability and specific damping which makes these materials ideal candidates for many applications in the hostile space environment. Demonstrative examples of typical applications to primary structures and payloads, each with a different set of performance requirements, are presented in this paper. Unfortunately, the use of polymer matrix composites for very long exposure to space has not been without problems due to various environmental effects which are discussed. The use of metal matrix composites is proposed as a possible solution to the problem. However, an understanding of the fundamental properties of composites and their response to space environmental effects is essential before the full benefit of these materials can be realized.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document