Parametric studies on self-repairing approaches for resin infused composites subjected to low velocity impact

Low velocity impact response of glass reinforced polymer composites, which have the potential to self-repair both micro- and macro-damage, has been investigated. This class of material falls under the category of passive smart polymer composites. The self-repairing mechanism is achieved through the incorporation of hollow fibers in addition to the normal solid reinforcing fibers. The hollow fibers store the damage-repairing solution or chemicals that are released into the matrix or damaged zone upon fiber failure. Plain-weave S-2 glass fabric reinforcement, vinyl ester 411-C50 and EPON-862 epoxy resin systems were considered for this study. Different tubing materials were investigated for potential use as storage materials for the repairing chemicals instead of the actual hollow repair fibers and included borosilicate glass micro-capillary pipets, hint glass pasteur pipets, copper tubing and aluminum tubing. composite panels were fabricated by using a vacuum assisted resin transfer molding process. The present investigation addressed fabrication of self-repairing composite panels and some of the parameters that influence the response of self-repairing composites to impact loading. Specific issues addressed by this study include: the processing quality; the selection of storage material for the repairing solution; release and transportation of the repairing solution; the effect of the number, type and spatial distribution of the repairing tubes, specimen thickness, matrix material and impact energy level.