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In the case of presence of deep micro-cracks within the composite structures, they must be replaced. The self-healing phenomenon which is inspired from the biological systems such as vascular networks in plants or capillary networks in animals, is an appropriate strategy to control the defects and micro-cracks. In the present research, by taking accounts the advantages of self-healing concept, an attempt has been made to control the micro-cracks and damages which were created in composite structures. To do so, series of micro glass tubes were employed to provide a self-healing system. These micro-tubes were filled with epoxy resin/anhydride hardener as a healing agent. When the structure is subjected to loading conditions, some damages or micro-cracks are created. In this situation, the micro glass tubes will rupture and the healing agent flows in the damage area, leading to the elimination of the defects over a time span. The aim of this study is to find out the appropriate self-healing material volume fraction and healing time to obtain an efficient healing. For this purpose, glass micro-tubes containing various healing agent loadings of 0.75, 1.65 and 2.5 vol.% were incorporated in epoxy-carbon fibers composites and the tensile behavior of the specimens were assessed during different time span from defect creation. The highest tensile strength recovery of 89% was observed for the specimen with 1.65 vol.% healing agent. Also the results show presence of micro tube decrease the fracture strain and over the time span fracture strain recovered.

Keywords: Epoxy-carbon fibers composites, Self-Healing phenomenon, Anhydride hardener, Tensile strength

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