Development and characterization of self-healing microcapsules, and optimization of production parameters for microcapsule diameter and core content
Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures
ISSN: 1573-6105
Article publication date: 21 October 2022
Issue publication date: 14 November 2022
Abstract
Purpose
This study produced epoxy-filled urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsules (MCs) and T-403 amine MCs using the in situ technique. The Taguchi method was used to determine the effects of the control factors (temperature, stirring speed, core-shell ratio and surfactant concentration) affecting MCs’ core diameter and core content and optimizing their optimum levels with a single criterion. Optimum control factor levels, which simultaneously provide maximum core diameter and core content of MCs, were determined by the PROMETHEE-GAIA multi-criteria optimization method. In addition, the optimized MC yield was analyzed by thermal camera images and compression test.
Design/methodology/approach
Microcracks in materials used for aerospace vehicles and automotive parts cause serious problems, so research on self-healing in materials science becomes critical. The damages caused by micro-cracks need to heal themselves quickly. The study has three aims: (1) production of self-healing MCs, mechanical and chemical characterization of produced MCs, (2) single-criteria and multi-criteria optimization of parameters providing maximum MC core diameter and core content, (3) investigation of self-healing property of produced MCs and evaluation. Firstly, MCs were produced to achieve these goals.
Findings
The optimized micro cures are buried in the epoxy matrix at different concentrations. Thermal camera images after damage indicate the presence of healing. An epoxy-amine MC consisting of a 10% by weight filled aluminum sandwich panel was prepared and subjected to a quasi-static compression test. It was determined that there is a strong bond between the UF shell and the epoxy resin.
Originality/value
The optimization of production factors has been realized to produce the most efficient MCs that heal using less expensive and more accessible methods.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) for their support through Project Number 218M468. Co-authors Çağatay ÖZADA and Merve ÜNAL are supported by YÖK 100/2000 as scholarship holders in the priority field of Smart and Innovative Materials. In addition, Çağatay ÖZADA is supported by TÜBİTAK 2211/C priority areas doctoral scholarship program.
Citation
Özada, Ç., Ünal, M., Kuzu Şahin, E., Özer, H., Motorcu, A.R. and Yazıcı, M. (2022), "Development and characterization of self-healing microcapsules, and optimization of production parameters for microcapsule diameter and core content", Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, Vol. 18 No. 6, pp. 1049-1077. https://doi.org/10.1108/MMMS-08-2022-0145
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
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