Carbon fiber reinforced composites with self‐sensing and self‐healing capabilities enabled by CNT‐modified nanofibers

Abstract Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites with self‐sensing and self‐healing capabilities was developed in this work. Uniform dispersion of CNTs within a core‐shell nanofiber structure was achieved through a combination of electrospinning and subsequent surface spraying of CNTs. The resulting core‐shell nanofibers were incorporated into CFRP composites using a vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding process. Mechanical testing demonstrated improved mechanical properties in the composites treated with CNT spraying. Real‐time, precise monitoring of structural damage was enabled through the measurement of electrical signal changes caused by composite deformation in static loading experiments. Furthermore, self‐healing experiments demonstrated that the thermally conductive network formed by CNTs facilitated more uniform heat transfer within the composites. During the healing process, resistive heating of damaged specimens was applied, resulting in a remarkable healing efficiency of 95.2%. The experiments indicate that the composite developed in this paper possess excellent self‐sensing and self‐healing capabilities. Highlights Damage self‐sensing and self‐healing CFRP composites were developed. CNTs‐modified nanofibers were applied to endow the composite specific abilities. Resistivity signals were collected for real‐time damage monitoring. The self‐healing efficiency of the designed composite reached up to 95.2%. Self‐sensing and self‐healing occurred autonomously within closed‐loop structure.