Metal triflates as catalytic curing agents in self-healing fibre reinforced polymer composite materials

High performance, damage tolerant fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite materials are currently required to demonstrate no propagation of any sub-surface structural micro-cracking when under service load, thereby encouraging overdesign and limiting the inherent lightweight nature of such a material. By incorporating selfhealing...

Synthesis and characterisation of novel catalysts for use as self-healing agents in epoxy resins

Self-healing polymers typically feature monomer and catalyst either dispersed within a host matrix, or encapsulated within hollow vessels. Unprotected highly active catalysts, sensitive to air and moisture, can readily react with amine cross-linking agents during the cure of reactive prepolymers e.g. epoxy resins. Therefore, catalysts stable to...