Poly[ethylene-co-(methacrylic acid)] healing agents for mendable carbon fiber laminates

The first reported use of two-dimensional mesh thermoplastic fibers in an epoxy matrix for mendable composites is presented, yielding 100% restoration of GIC, failure energy, and peak loads over repeated damage-healing cycles. SEM imaging and EDS mapping showed different surface structures between CFRPp and CFRPf and confirmed strength recoveries were attained by delivery of EMAA to the fracture plane which enabled the fractured surfaces to rebind after heating to 150 °C for 30 min.