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The latest research on multifunctional composites at Queen Mary featured by Materials Today
9 February 2023
![click/tap to enlarge this image... Schematic illustrations of easy-repairing composites with enhanced mechanical performance.](/content/news/images/35e84df85fc10081a6c2c04c5d469006.jpg)
![click/tap to enlarge this image... Photos and ultrasonic scan images of carbon/epoxy laminates before and after easy-repairing process.](/content/news/images/5242c367aed982d811d28b0913d94ed8.jpg)
"Old approach promises new self-healing composites"
The latest research on multifunctional composites at Queen Mary is featured by Materials Today, explaining how one can revamp an "old" approach in composite manufacturing into a "new" smart composite with integrated easy-repairing capability.
By simply applying heat and pressure, the interlaminar damage of a carbon fibre/epoxy laminate can be repaired within just a few minutes. More importantly, the restored mechanical properties of interleaved laminates after four consecutive damage and repair cycles still outperformed the neat high performance carbon/epoxy laminates.
With an extended components’ service life, this "new" discovery based on an "old" approach paves the way for a more sustainable development of the composite sector and many potential applications.
The publication with open access can be found at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compositesa.2022.107337
Contact: | Han Zhang |
Email: | han.zhang@qmul.ac.uk |
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Updated by: Han Zhang