Thermoreversible and remendable glass–polymer interface for fiber-reinforced composites

Adhesion of the reinforcement to the polymer matrix is essential for load transfer from the polymer matrix to the reinforcement material in fiber-reinforced composites. The reversible Diels–Alder reaction between a furan-functionalized epoxy-amine thermosetting matrix with a maleimide-functionalized glass fiber was used to impart remendability at the polymer–glass interface for potential application in glass fiber-reinforced composites. At room temperature the Diels–Alder adduct is formed spontaneously and above 90 °C the adduct breaks apart to reform the original furan and maleimide moieties. Healing of the interface was investigated with single fiber microdroplet pull-out testing. Following complete failure of this interface, significant healing was observed, with some specimens recovering over 100% of the initial properties. Healing efficiency was not affected by the distance of displacement, with an overall average of 41% healing efficiency. Up to five healing cycles were successfully achieved. It is expected that a glass fiber-reinforced composite of maleimide-sized glass within a furan-functionalized network will demonstrate extension of fatigue life.