Self-Repairing, Reinforced Matrix Materials

Abstract

Self-repairing, fiber reinforced matrix materials include a matrix material including inorganic as well as organic matrices. Disposed within the matrix are hollow fibers having a selectively releasable modifying agent contained therein. The hollow fibers may be inorganic or organic and of any desired length, wall thickness or cross-sectional configuration. The modifying agent is selected from materials capable of beneficially modifying the matrix fiber composite after curing. The modifying agents are selectively released into the surrounding matrix in use in response to a predetermined stimulus be it internal or externally applied. The hollow fibers may be closed off or even coated to provide a way to keep the modifying agent in the fibers until the appropriate time for selective release occurs. Self-repair, smart fiber matrix composite materials capable of repairing microcracks, releasing corrosion inhibitors or permeability modifiers are described as preferred embodiments in concrete and polymer based shaped articles.

1 . A self repairing composition comprising a combination of a polymer matrix, having a plurality of chains attached to a backbone, and modifying chemical within repair vessels.  
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the polymer matrix is at least one of polyolefin, polyester, polyamide, polyaramid, polyimide, carbon, graphite, cellulose, nitrocellulose, polysiloxane, epoxy, hydrocarbon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, aramid, polypropylene, and elastomer, one- and two-part adhesives, one- and two-part epoxy adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, Elmer's glue, amines, polysiloxanes, asphalt, thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, crosslinkable polymers, curable polymer resin systems, polyacrylates, polyarylates, polyurethanes, foaming polyurethanes, crosslinkable polymers, curable resin systems, phenolformaldehyde resins, thermoplastic elastomers, styrene, butadiene, rubber, neoprene, SEBS, NBR, and EPDM rubbers.  
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 2  wherein the polymer matrix is a polyamide.  
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the vessels are hollow.  
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 4  wherein the vessels comprise fiberglass, cement, asphalt, hydroxyapatite, glass, ceramic, metal, polyolefin, polyester, polycarbonate, polyacrylate, polyarylate, polyamide, polyimide, polyaramide, polyurethane, carbon, graphite, cellulose, nitrocellulose, hydrocarbon, shape memory alloys, or magnetostrictive piezoelectric material.  
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the modifying chemical comprises at least one of polyolefin, polyester, polyamide, polyaramid, polyimide, carbon, graphite, cellulose, nitrocellulose, polysiloxane, epoxy, hydrocarbon, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, aramid, polypropylene, and elastomer, one- and two-part adhesives, one- and two-part epoxy adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, Elmer's glue, amines, polysiloxanes, one- and two-part adhesives, one- and two-part epoxy adhesives, cyanoacrylate adhesives, sealant, siloxane, silica additives, calcium nitrate, polyprolylene glycol, amines and other crosslinkers, epoxy precursers, polymerizable monomers such as methyl methacrylates, styrene, acids, bases, solvents, cement, fly ash, bottom ash, phosphoric acid, ceramic, silicon oxide, titanium oxide, silicon nitride, metals, aluminum, steel, metal alloys, asphalt, thermoplastic polymers, thermosetting polymers, thermoplastic elastomers, crosslinkable polymers, curable polymer resin systems, hydroxyapatite, thermoplastic polymers, polyolefins, polyesters, polycarbonates, polyacrylates, polyarylates, polyamides, polyimides, polyaramides, polyurethanes, foaming polyurethanes, crosslinkable polymers, curable resin systems, phenolformaldehyde resins, rubbery polymers, butadiene, rubber, neoprene, SEBS, NBR, and EPDM rubbers, viscoelastic materials, latexes, sinterable ceramics, hydroxyapatites, silicas, titanium, carbides, oxides, alumina, iron, lead, copper, bronze, phosphor bronze, brass bronze, and calcium salts.  
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 6  wherein the modifying chemical is crosslinked.  
     
     
         8 . The composition of  claim 7  wherein the modifying chemical is a polyolefin.  
     
     
         9 . The composition of  claim 8  wherein the modifying chemical reacts with the matrix.  
     
     
         10 . The composition of  claim 9  modifying the matrix is a polyamide.  
     
     
         11 . The composition of  claim 1  wherein the self repair to be done is joining of crack damage.  
     
     
         12 . The composition of  claim 11  wherein the crack damage is within the polymer matrix.  
     
     
         13 . The composition of  claim 12  wherein the crack damage in the polymer reveals crack faces.  
     
     
         14 . The composition of  claim 13  wherein the crack faces are joined by the repair chemical.  
     
     
         15 . The composition of  claim 14  wherein the crack faces are joined in aero-nautical structures, automotive parts, sporting equipment, construction material, space age packages, encapsulants, die attach, plastic packaging, structural composites, glass panels, windows, marine devices, adhesives, paints, sealants, coatings impregnating resins, finishes, or coatings.  
     
     
         16 . The composition of  claim 12  wherein the matrix is a polyamide.  
     
     
         17 . The composition of  claim 16  wherein the modifying chemic is a polyolefin.  
     
     
         18 . The composition of  claim 1  having an end use as an article of manufacture selected from the group consisting of aero-nautical structures, automotive parts, sporting equipment, construction material, space age electronic packages, encapsulants, die attachments, plastic packaging, structural composites, glass panels, windows, marine devices, adhesives, paints, sealants, coatings, impregnating resins, finishes, and coatings.  
     
     
         19 . A self repairing composition consisting of a combination of a polymer matrix, having a plurality of chains attached to a backbone, and modifying chemical within repair vessels.  
     
     
         20 . A self repairing composition comprising a combination of a polymer matrix, having a plurality of chains attached to a backbone, and crosslinked modifying chemical within repair vessels.  
     
     
         21 . The composition of  claim 20  wherein the modifying chemicals are polyolefins.  
     
     
         22 . A self repairing composition comprising a combination of a polyamide polymer matrix, having a plurality of chains attached to a backbone, and crosslinked modifying chemical within repair vessels, the modifying chemical configured to repair the polyamide.  
     
     
         23 . The composition of  claim 22  wherein the modifying chemical comprises a polymer precursor and a crosslinker.  
     
     
         24 . The composition of  claim 23  wherein the modifying chemical is epoxy precursor and the crosslinker is an amine.