Self-healing materials with microvascular networks.
Self-healing polymers composed of microencapsulated healing agents exhibit remarkable mechanical performance and regenerative ability, but are limited to autonomic repair of a single damage event in a given location. Self-healing is triggered by crack-induced rupture of the embedded capsules; thus, once a localized region is depleted of healing agent, further repair is precluded. Re-mendable polymers can achieve multiple healing cycles, but require external intervention in the form of heat treatment and applied pressure. Here, we report a self-healing system capable of autonomously repairing repeated damage events. Our bio-inspired coating-substrate design delivers healing agent to cracks in a polymer coating via a three-dimensional microvascular network embedded in the substrate. Crack damage in the epoxy coating is healed repeatedly. This approach opens new avenues for continuous delivery of healing agents for self-repair as well as other active species for additional functionality.
Toohey
Kathleen S
KS
Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, USA.
Sottos
Nancy R
NR
Lewis
Jennifer A
JA
Moore
Jeffrey S
JS
White
Scott R
SR
D001187:Artificial Organs; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002384:Catalysis; D006801:Humans; D019563:Mechanics; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D012867:Skin; D014945:Wound Healing
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers