Direct and indirect observation of multiple local healing events in successively loaded fibre reinforced polymer model composites using healing agent-filled compartmented fibres

Compartmented fibres containing liquid healing agents have been proposed as a new method to provide local healing in fibre reinforced polymer composites. The compartmented fibres do not contribute to the mechanical properties of the composite but only serve to locally distribute the sources of healing agent and to overcome the intrinsic problems associated with hollow fibres and spherical capsules as containers for the healing agent. In this work the intended multiple local release and healing functionality in a thermoplastic matrix is successfully demonstrated using X-ray micro-tomography and a modified three-point bending test. The results here presented further support the potential of this new concept for the development of self-healing composites.