Self-Healing Polymers and Polymer-Based Composites Containing Microcapsules

This review presents a comprehensive view of the field of microcapsule type self-healing polymer composites. It begins with an introduction of the concept and mechanism of microencapsulation self-healing approach. It continues with a detailed discussion of the various self-healing matrix systems that have been proposed and investigated over the past five years. These self-healing matrix systems include epoxy resin, vinyl ester resin, fiber/epoxy composite materials, elastomer and poly (methyl methacrylate). The factors influencing self-healing performance of microcapsule type self-healing polymer composites, including the kinds of healing agent, wall materials of microcapsules, diameter of microcapsules, healing time and pressure, are summarized as well. This paper also deals with the different methods for evaluating self-healing efficiencies. Finally, the challenges and future research opportunities are highlighted.