Exploring self healing of CFRP laminates exposed to hypervelocity small pellets simulating space debris

The presence in space of micrometeoroids and orbital debris, particularly in low earth orbit, presents a continuous hazard to orbiting satellites, spacecrafts and the International Space Station (ISS). Space debris includes all non-functional, man-made objects and fragments, in Earth orbit. As the population of debris continues to grow, the probability of collisions that could lead to potential damage will consequently increase. We address the feasibility of self healing of impacted composites in space. MPB Inc. and Concordia University developed and demonstrated innovative self-healing concepts that are compatible with space environment (US2009036568A1 and CA2606963A1). The self-healing process is based on microcapsules filled with 5E2N monomer, and embedded within CFRP laminates along with spread catalyst particles (Ruthenium Grubbs). A Hypervelocity launcher, recently built at McGill University within was used to simulate the space debris impact with projectiles (diameter of about 4 mm) and velocities between 1.3 and 1.7 km/s. Although the microcapsules would not heal the impact's crater zone, we insist more on the healing of potential delamination developed around the crater over distances much larger than the crater diameter. CFRP slides of laminates, with and without self healing materials, subjected to hypervelocity impacts, were characterized with the three point bending technique. Samples with microcapsules show partial healing of. Work is progressing towards optimizing the healing efficiency.