·      One of the main tasks of Forth during this period was the production, characterization and provision to SMARTFAN partners of Self-healing capsules.

·      Initially the optimal sequestration method for the healing agent and polymerizing agent has to be determined. This sequestration can be achieved through encapsulation or phase separation.

·      The standard recipe for the preparation of PUF/DCPD microcapsules was adapted from that of Brown et al. [1].

·      In order to confirm that DCPD monomer was enclosed in the UF capsules DSC measurements were taken place.

·      To evaluate the healing effect of self-activated samples fracture toughness test was also held, similarly to GFRP system up to 50mm displacement. The modified CFRP samples presented the same mechanical behaviour as the neat (virgin) samples. For the modified specimens, at the end of the first loading, they restored to their initial status (zero loading) and left to heal for 48 hours. The results were promising as the modified specimens reached an average 80% of their initial maximum load.

The abovementioned research was carried out during the M12-M24 period of the project, mainly as a part of Work Packages 1 & 2.

[1]Brown, E.N., Kessler, M.R., Sottos, N.R. & White, S.R. 2003. In situ poly(urea-formaldehyde) microencapsulation of dicyclopentadiene. Journal of Microencapsulation 20: 719-730.