Surface Modification of Poly(urea-formaldehyde) Microcapsules and the Effect on the Epoxy Composites Performance

The surfaces of poly(urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) were modified by -glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy silane (KH560) in order to improve the interfacial bonding between self-healing PUF microcapsules and epoxy matrix. The modification mechanism between PUF microcapsules and KH560 was studied. X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS) analyses showed that the silane coupling agent molecular binds strongly to the surfaces of PUF microcapsules. Chemical bond (Si-O-C) and hydrogen bond were formed at interface by the reaction between Si-OH and the hydroxyl group of PUF microcapsules surface. The tensile and impact resistance tests revealed that strength and toughness of the composites was improved significantly. Furthermore, scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) photographs of the fractured surface confirmed that the silane coupling agent plays an important role in improving the interfacial performance between microcapsules and resin matrix.