Unidirectional (UD) Prepeg Fabrics with Embedded Liquid Healing Agents for Fabrication of Self-Healing Fiber-reinforced Polymer (FRP Composites)

Dr. White from the University of IL has developed a method for fabricating a glass epoxy prepreg with imbedded microcapsules containing a self-healing agent. Existing wet-layup processes result in an agglomeration of microcapsules. However, this invention enable fabrication of prepreg fabrics with microcapsules (containing a liquid healing agent) evenly distributed throughout a prepreg fabric which results in enhanced mechanical properties.