Near-infrared light-induced sustainable self-healing polymer composites from glass fabric reinforced benzoxazine/epoxy copolymers

Novel sustainable self-healing polymer composites were developed from glass fabric reinforced copolymers of eugenol/furfurylamine-derived benzoxazine resin (E-fa) and epoxidized castor oil (ECO) actuated by near-infrared (NIR) light. This research demonstrates self-healing processes triggered by NIR affected by glass fabric incorporation as well as investigates essential properties for structural skin applications in sustainable composites. Through the measurement, the reinforced glass fabrics substantially improved flexural properties, enhanced thermal stability and UV light protection of the composites. The healing mechanism and performance of the developed E-fa/ECO composites were also systematically studied. The time for damaged healing of the material triggered by heating from NIR light was found in the range of 80–152 s with the good macroscopic healing performance up to 64–86%. The results suggested that the glass fabric reinforced sustainable benzoxazine/epoxy composites possessing NIR-induced self-healing effect have a potential use in building lath applications.