Self-Healing Rendered Protein Based Thermosets for High-Value Automotive Applications

Date: March 9, 2015

Principal Investigators: Srikanth Pilla, Clemson University

Keywords: Automotive, Protein, Thermosets

Summary:

The project aims to enhance the overall service life of animal protein (AP)-based polymeric systems by imparting self-repairing capabilities via incorporation of microcapsules containing healing agents. This will involve the custom building of microcapsules that can carry hydrophilic healing materials targeted specifically for animal proteins and the introduction of the capsules into animal protein-based crosslinked polymeric systems.

 

Objectives: The overall objective of this study is to create a novel animal protein-based self-healing matrix for performance-oriented applications. This project will overcome a current challenge in the self-healing research arena, viz. development of microcapsules that can enclose hydrophilic healing agents (e.g. formaldehyde), a critical component for the self-healing of animal protein-based resins. The envisioned capsules should have a robust shell, proper dimension (50~100 micron), and lower permeability to serve as the microcontainer.