Novel epoxy/cyclic olefin copolymer/carbon structural composites with electro‐activated self‐healing properties

Multifunctional self-healing composites have great potential in several applications, i.e., from automotive to aerospace. This study examines the behavior of carbon fiber reinforced by depositing jet-spun cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) meshes on dry plies before lamination with epoxy resin (EP). Three different laminates were prepared, including neat EP/CF and two 4 wt.% 8 COC form a network as healing agent. The introduction mesh reduced flexural stress 26% interlaminar shear strength 50%. Mode I fracture toughness (GI) was evaluated specimens mended at 110°C resistive heating generated an electrical current flowing within samples. containing wt% reported efficiency, ratio between GI maximum load (PMAX) virgin healed samples, 9.4% 33.7%, respectively. Fractography analysis highlighted poor adhesion EP matrix, microfibers trapped inside hindering their diffusion crack zone, which limited capability prepared laminates.