Multiple function, self-repairing composites with special adhesives

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 multifunctional composite comprising:
 a matrix;   conduits disposed in the matrix; and   a chemical disposed in the conduits,   the composite being at least one of
 able to repair damage due to ballistic force, 
 conductive, 
 radar absorbing, 
 self-repairing when damaged, 
 self-sensing when damaged, 
 electricity generating when damaged, and 
 internally pumping when damaged, 
   wherein when the composite is self-repairing or self-sensing, the composite also is at least one of
 able to repair damage due to ballistic force, 
 electricity generating when damaged, 
 internally pumping when damaged, 
 conductive, and 
 radar absorbing. 
   
     
     
         2 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the composite is conductive and further comprises at least one of an antioxidant, an anticorrosive, and conductive particles. 
     
     
         3 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the composite is self-repairing, self-sensing, able to repair damage due to ballistic force, internally pumping when damaged, and conductive. 
     
     
         4 . The composite of  claim 3 , wherein the composite is electricity generating when damaged, radar absorbing or a combination thereof, and further comprises at least one of an antioxidant, an anticorrosive, and conductive particles. 
     
     
         5 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the composite is self-repairing and able to repair damage due to ballistic force. 
     
     
         6 . The composite of  claim 5 , wherein the composite is self-sensing. 
     
     
         7 . The composite of  claim 5 , wherein, when the conduit is damaged, the chemical foams or becomes thixotropic. 
     
     
         8 . The composite of  claim 5 , wherein the conduits are in the form of at least one of springs and channels. 
     
     
         9 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the composite absorbs radar and is at least one of self-sensing, electricity generating, and conductive. 
     
     
         10 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the composite is self-repairing and self-sensing and further comprises metal. 
     
     
         11 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the conduit comprises at least one wall and optionally a coating, the composite further comprising a conductive material, the conductive material being present in at least one of the at least one wall of the conduit, the optional coating on the conduit, the chemical in the conduit, and the matrix. 
     
     
         12 . The composite of  claim 11  further comprising additives comprising at least one of nanotubes, metals, and carbon black. 
     
     
         13 . The composite of  claim 11 , wherein the composite is self-repairing and self-sensing. 
     
     
         14 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the conduits are in the form of at least one of springs, porous walled fibers, and channels. 
     
     
         15 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the conduits comprise an interior wall, the interior wall being coated with an acid. 
     
     
         16 . The composite of  claim 15 , wherein the composite is self-repairing. 
     
     
         17 . The composite of  claim 1 , wherein the composite exhibits internal pumping when damaged. 
     
     
         18 . The composite of  claim 17 , wherein the composite is self-repairing. 
     
     
         19 . A multifunctional composite comprising:
 a conductive material;   a matrix;   a plurality of conduits disposed in the matrix, each conduit defining a volume and comprising at least one wall and optionally a coating on the conduit; and   a chemical disposed in the conduits,   the conductive material being present in at least one of
 the optional coating on the conduit, 
 the wall of the conduit, 
 the volume defined by the conduit, 
 the chemical, and 
 the matrix. 
   
     
     
         20 . The composite of  claim 19 , wherein
 the composite is self-sensing,   the conduits are conductive and in a form of a web, a grid, a weave, a three dimensional array, or a combination thereof, and   the chemical is reactive with the matrix, and further comprises
 a dye that changes color when the chemical reacts with the matrix, and 
 conductive additives selected from the group consisting of nanotubes, metals, and carbon black, 
   when the composite is damaged, the damage is detectable by eddy currents.