Effects of processing conditions on the properties of epoxy resin microcapsule

In order to improve the healing performance and increase the service life of the polymer matrix composites, microcapsules were prepared by interfacial polymerization process with urea formaldehyde resin and epoxy resin E-51 as the wall material and core material separately. The effects of core/shell mass ratio and emulsifier on the distribution, topography and encapsulation rate of microcapsules were investigated. By optimizing the conditions, microcapsules with little particle size, well dispersion and compact surface were prepared. The distribution, topography, stability and compositions of the microcapsules were characterized using Nano-2s, optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The osmosis performance of the microcapsules was evaluated. The experimental results showed that the ratio of core/shell materials (1:1) and 1% DBS as emulsifier were optimum preparation conditions and the encapsulation rate was 62.5%. The microcapsules can be synthesized successfully with mean diameter 548.6 nm and exhibit a good chemical stability below 225 °C. The FTIR result indicated that urea-formaldehyde resin was formed and the core materials were successfully encapsulated in urea-formaldehyde shell. Osmosis performance evaluation showed that the microcapsules were well coated and slowly osmosed.