In this study, structural-scale crack healing of artificial muscle reinforced ionomer composite was investigated following the close-then-heal (CTH) healing strategy. Structural-scale crack of 3 mm deep and 1 mm wide in notched beam specimens was first closed by actuation of the embedded polymeric artificial muscles made of fishing lines, followed by intrinsic healing of the ionomer matrix. The healing process was triggered by resistive heating of embedded carbon fibers by DC power. It is found that, with 0.7% by volume of polymeric artificial muscles, the wide-opened cracks are effectively closed, and the closed cracks in the ionomer composite are effectively and repeatedly healed, with a healing efficiency of over 80%.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.