Preparation, with graphene, of novel biomimetic self-healing microcapsules with high thermal stability and conductivity

This paper reports a comparative study of microcapsules with enhanced thermal stability and electrical conductivity inspired by the bionic thermal insulation of birds’ feathers for self-healing aged asphalt. The work is based on an in situ polymerization with composite shell components of graphene and hexamethoxymethylmelamine resin. By using graphene, microcapsules with rough surfaces are achieved, improving the interface between microcapsules and asphalt. In addition, the microcapsules’ initial thermal decomposition temperature is appropriately high, so that the stability of the microcapsule in the asphalt highway system is protected. The proportion of graphene in the microcapsule shell can regulate the microcapsule’s heat resistance because graphene modifies the shell’s structural makeup. Additionally, the microcapsules’ electrical conductivity is relatively high. The self-healing capability of bitumen sharply increases, providing benefit to the effect of microcapsules on the properties of aged asphalt.