Multiple healing effect of thermally activated self-healing composites based on Diels–Alder reaction

Self-healing composites using a thermally mendable polymer, bis-maleimide tetrafuran (2MEP4F), based on Diels–Alder reaction and electrical resistive heating were fabricated using a vacuum assisted injection molding method. Delaminations were induced using short span three point bending on composite coupons. The induced damage and permanent deformation of the composite coupons were observed using X-ray micro-tomography. The same procedure was repeated to confirm multiple healings after electrical resistive heating and healing efficiency of the samples was determined. The permanent deformations and induced delaminations were repaired after the heating process, which is due to both healing and shape memory effects. The multiple healing ability and shape memory effect of the fabricated composite combined with electrical resistive heating realizes a noble self-healing composite.