A numerical study into the effects of elongated capsules on the healing efficiency of liquid-based systems

In this numerical study the release of healing agent for liquid-based self-healing systems for elongated microcapsules is studied and compared with that for the usual spherical capsules. It is shown that a high aspect ratio and a proper spatial orientation of the elongated capsules have a positive influence on the calculated release of liquid healing agent per crack area. Consequently, considerable reductions of capsule loading concentrations for a particular healing efficiency are suggested in order to preserve the material intrinsic properties to a larger extend. Furthermore, the model predicts the maximal degree of healing as function of the crack opening distance and the capsule dimensions and concentration.