Thermally Repairable Composite

A Thermosetting matrix and glass fiber combination that can be heated after failure to restore properties of the composite system. Background and Technology: Composite materials that are subject to vibration and stress form small fractures and eventually fail irreversibly at the interface of the polymer matrix and reinforcing fiber. The U.S. Army and Drexel University have developed a soltion to this problem by incorporating reversible bonds into polymer networks. The technology combines a furan-fuctionalized glass fiber. When broken, the thermoreversible bonds between these materials can be healed on site at temperatures above 90 degrees Celsius. The technology represents a simple and effective method for creating a fiber-reinforced composite system with remendable interfaces. Benefits On-Site Repair: Potential for on-site healing of composites with a local heat source Effective: Laboratory testing of single fibers has realized healing capabilities up to 100% Repeated Healing: Demonstrated healing capabilities for at least 5 cycles Broadly Applicable: Tested in epoxy-amine systems but the chemistry should be applicable to any composite system with a hydroxyl or vinyl group Cost-Effective: Furan chemistry is based on inexpensive, renewable natural products Simple: Basic tank mixing and uncomplicated chemistry Status and Opportunity One U.S. patent application available for license Method reduced and tested in laboratory samples Peer-reviewed journal articles available with additional information under non-disclosure agreement Potential for R&D; collaboration with inventors