Accelerated Self-Healing Via Ternary Interpenetrating Microvascular Networks

Abstract

Self-healing materials with dual interpenetrating microvascular networks enable two-part healing chemistries and repeated healing of damage in a localized region.1 However, due to slow healing kinetics, multiple days are required between damage events to recover mechanical performance under ambient conditions. By directly writing a third interdigitated microvascular network within these epoxy coating/substrate architectures to enable in situ thermal regulation, the characteristic healing time is reduced by an order of magnitude. Specifically, this third network provides a conduit for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid that rapidly heats the locally damaged region leading to a sharp reduction in the time required for mechanical property restoration.