Self healing magnet-ionomer composites

Although ionomers posses the ability to self heal after ballistic impact, they cannot heal damage occurring at lower temperatures. The addition of magnetic fillers to ionomers can enable remote heating and thus trigger self healing in situ. We have synthesized ferrite nanoparticles in an optimal size range for RF heating and incorporated these nanoparticles into an ionomer matrix. Damage caused by the tear test was healed and the efficiency of the method was studied in relation to filler loading and specific absorption rate of the particles.