Assessment of self-healing polymer technology for utility overhead applications

The concept of self-healing fabricated structures is of interest to utilities due to the potential ability to increase reliability of installed equipment. However, many technical issues require evaluation. One such issue concerns the use of epoxies in insulators. Microcapsules containing a monomeric healing agent released and polymerized after a crack is generated in an epoxy resin is proved to facilitate partial regain (75-90%) of mechanical properties. For amine-cured aromatic epoxy, partial regain of mechanical properties takes place. Reinforced systems involving the use of a catalyst that is not sensitive to foreign fillers is also proved to be applicable.