TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY
Fibre-Reinforced Composite structures are widely used in aerospace, automotive, windmills and sports industries. However, these are marked by a design limitation: the brittleness of the thermoset matrix results in sensitivity to small damage events. A trade off exists with common systems between the increase in toughness (and mechanical properties) and ease of manufacturing, restricting the potential of composite materials. We however developed and patented a material that is able to heal cracks caused by these damage events, therefore tackling this design limitation, a paradigm change for the industry. The novel concept results in a structural composite that (i) is tougher (i.e. higher resistance to crack propagation) than benchmark epoxy composites, (ii) can heal repeatedly matrix microcracks and (iii) has a manufacturing route compatible with conventional processes. Current repair solutions in composites involve monitoring failure, removal of the damaged zones and costly repair. With our technology, these damage events can be repaired during service of the part at minor cost. The opportunities for the industry are two-folds: (i) reduce the maintenance cost of composite structures; (ii) increase life-time of composite parts. Our product is a technical textile with the healing agent integrated, to be directly used on a production line.
AREA/MATURITY/AWARDS
Primary Application Area: Materials, Chemical
Technology Development Status: Prototype
Technology Readiness Level: TRL 4
Vetted Programs/Awards: Enable Program (EPFL-Switzerland)
My thesis in three minutes (French Version): International final
SHOWCASE SUMMARY
Organization Type: Academic/Gov Lab
Showcase Booth #: 35T
Website: http://www.lpac.epfl.ch
GOVT/EXTERNAL FUNDING SOURCES