Dynamic Mechanical Assessment of Self-Healing Microcapsule Based Composites

Abstract

Self-healing microcapsule-based composites represent a promising class of smart materials capable of autonomously repairing damage and extending service life in structural and functional applications. This study investigates the dynamic mechanical behavior of such composites with and without catalytic activation using advanced dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) techniques. Microcapsules containing healing agents were embedded within a polymer matrix, and their influence on storage modulus, loss modulus, and damping characteristics under oscillatory loading was systematically evaluated. Results indicate that the incorporation of microcapsules alters viscoelastic properties, with the presence of a catalyst enhancing the efficiency of self-healing and recovery of mechanical performance after damage. Frequency and temperature-dependent analyses reveal that optimal microcapsule loading and distribution significantly improve energy dissipation while maintaining structural stiffness. The findings demonstrate the potential of self-healing microcapsule-based composites for applications requiring improved fatigue resistance, vibration damping, and long-term durability, highlighting the interplay between microstructural design, viscoelastic response, and healing efficiency.