Preparation and characterization of poly (urea-formaldehyde) microcapsules filled with dicyclopentadiene

Microcapsules containing curing agents have been used to develop polymer composites with self-healing properties. This work aims the production and characterization of microcapsules of poly (urea-formaldehyde), PUF, containing dicyclopentadiene, which satisfies the requirements for the self-healing of epoxy resins. A series of PUF microcapsules was synthesized using different process parameters, including the type and concentration of surfactant, and the stirring method and speed. The microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis (DSC, TG) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The size distribution and the average diameter was determined in a particle size analyzer by laser diffraction. The results show that the process parameters directly affect the size and morphology of the microcapsules. By the selection of the stirring rate, microcapsules were produced in the diameter range of 1-100 µm.

poly (urea-formaldehyde); dicyclopentadiene; self-healing; microcapsules