Thermally remendable bismalemide-MWCNT/DA-epoxy nanocomposite via Diels-Alder bonding

Developing the self-healing functionality in polymers without affecting its inherent properties is of great practical significance. In this work, first, Bm-MWCNTs nano-particle is prepared by infusing maleimdie moiety on the surface of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT). Then, thermally reversible self-healing epoxy resin is pre -pared using furan-malemide group through Diels-Alder reaction. Finally, Bm-MWCNT/DA-epoxy nanocomposite with self-healing properties is synthesized. Bm-MWCNTs act as a strengthening and repairing agent in epoxy composites. The architecture and thermal stability of Bm-MWCNTs are characterized with FTIR and TG-DTA respectively. FE-SEM images validated, uniform dispersion and bismalemide grafting on MWCNTs. The effec-tive DA-rDA bonds association in Bm-MWCNT/DA-epoxy nano-composite was validated by exo-endothermic peaks in TG-DSC data. The self-healing characterstics of Bm-MWCNT/DA-epoxy nanocomposite were evalu-ated through TDCB specimen and reported 89% of crack healing efficiency. With 1 wt% of Bm-MWCNT rein-forcement, the tensile strength and modulus improved by 202%, 101% respectively compared to neat sample.

Automated summary

The study successfully developed a self-healing Bm-MWCNT/DA-epoxy nanocomposite with validated reinforcement and repair effects, achieving significant improvements in crack healing efficiency and mechanical properties.