Healing of polymeric artificial muscle reinforced ionomer composite by resistive heating

ABSTRACT 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%. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43660.