Multiple function, self-repairing composites including nanoinclusions

Abstract

A system for self-repairing matrices such as concrete or cementitous matrices, polymeric matrices, and/or fibrous matrices, including laminates thereof. The system includes repair agents retained in and/or on vessels, such as hollow fibers, within the matrix. Upon impact, the vessel rupture, releasing the chemicals. For multi-layer laminates, the systems provides a total dynamic energetic circulation system that functions as an in situ fluidic system in at least one layer or area. The energy from the impact ruptures the vessels to release the chemical(s), and mixes the chemical(s) and pushes the chemical(s) and/or resulting compound through the matrix. The repair agents can withstand high temperatures, such as the heat of processing of many laminates, e.g., 250-350° F.

1 . A self-repairing matrix comprising:
 a repair chemical, and   nanoinclusions and tubes.   
     
     
         2 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the nanoinclusions are in a form selected from the group consisting of tubes, particles, flakes, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 2 , wherein the nanoinclusions comprise carbon. 
     
     
         4 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 2 , wherein at least a portion of the nanoinclusions are in the form of particles and comprise clay. 
     
     
         5 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the nanoinclusions comprise carbon nanotubes. 
     
     
         6 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 1 , wherein repair chemical is disposed in the nanotubes. 
     
     
         7 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the nanotubes are disposed in the repair chemical. 
     
     
         8 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 7 , wherein the nanotubes add at least one of strength, conductivity, and a sensing function to the repair chemical. 
     
     
         9 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 1 , wherein the nanoinclusions comprise nanotubes. 
     
     
         10 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 9 , wherein the matrix is selected from a group consisting of concrete, polymer, polymer composite, a coating, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 10 , wherein the matrix is a coating on at least one of concrete, polymer, metal, and composite. 
     
     
         12 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 11 , wherein the coating is disposed on an infrastructure. 
     
     
         13 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 9 , wherein the repair chemical is reactive at a temperature of from 250° F. to 300° F. 
     
     
         14 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 9 , wherein the repair chemical is reactive after processing at 300° F. for two hours. 
     
     
         15 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 11 , wherein the repair chemical is reactive at a temperature of from 250° F. to 300° F. 
     
     
         16 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 11 , wherein the repair chemical is reactive after processing at 300° F. for two hours. 
     
     
         17 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 16 , wherein the repair chemical consists essentially of 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol and antioxidant. 
     
     
         18 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 16 , wherein the nanotubes add at least one of strength, conductivity, and a sensing function to the matrix. 
     
     
         19 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 18 , wherein the matrix is selected from a group consisting of concrete, polymer, polymer composite, coating, and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         20 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 16 , wherein the nanotubes have been treated with an acid. 
     
     
         21 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 16 , wherein the nanotubes have been treated with at least one of vinegar, muriatic acid, and maliec acid. 
     
     
         22 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 9 , wherein the nanotubes have been treated with an acid. 
     
     
         23 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 9 , wherein the nanotubes have been treated with at least one of vinegar, muriatic acid, and maliec acid. 
     
     
         24 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 22 , wherein the nanotubes are disposed in the repair chemical. 
     
     
         25 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 22 , wherein the repair chemical is disposed in the nanotubes. 
     
     
         26 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 22 , wherein the repair chemical is selected from a group consisting of epoxy, cyanoacrylate, urethanes and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         27 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 25  further comprising breakable tubes, the repair chemical and the nanotubes being disposed in the breakable tubes. 
     
     
         28 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 24  further comprising breakable tubes, the repair chemical and the nanotubes being disposed in the breakable tubes. 
     
     
         29 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 27 , wherein the breakable tubes comprise glass. 
     
     
         30 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 29 , wherein the glass tubes have been treated with an acid. 
     
     
         31 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 28 , wherein the breakable tubes comprise glass. 
     
     
         32 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 31 , wherein the glass tubes have been treated with an acid. 
     
     
         33 . A self-repairing matrix comprising:
 a repair chemical, and   nano-inclusions and breakable tubes.   
     
     
         34 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 33 , wherein the nano-inclusions are nanotubes. 
     
     
         35 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 34 , wherein the nanotubes impart at least one of strength, conductivity, and a sensing function to the repair chemical. 
     
     
         36 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 34 , wherein the nanotubes have been treated with an acid. 
     
     
         37 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 33 , wherein the breakable tubes have been treated with an acid. 
     
     
         38 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 36 , wherein the nanotubes are disposed in the repair chemical.
 have been treated with an acid   
     
     
         39 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 38 , wherein the repair chemical is selected from a group consisting of epoxy, cyanoacrylate, urethanes and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         40 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 37 , wherein the repair chemical is disposed in the breakable tubes and the repair chemical is selected from a group consisting of epoxy, cyanoacrylate, urethanes and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         41 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 37 , wherein the matrix is a coating. 
     
     
         42 . The self-repairing matrix of  claim 41 , wherein the matrix is selected from a group consisting of concrete, polymer, polymer composite, and combinations thereof.