NPL-SH01 Self-Healing Kit
A two-component crosslinker pair that introduces thermoreversible Diels-Alder chemistry into epoxy and bismaleimide composite matrices, enabling localised matrix re-flow, micro-crack closure, and recoverable mechanical performance after thermal trigger.
What it is
NPL-SH01 is a matched pair of organic crosslinkers, a bis-furan diene (Component A) and an aliphatic bis-maleimide dienophile (Component B), formulated to undergo reversible Diels-Alder cycloaddition inside a host polymer matrix.
Below the trigger window the DA bonds remain closed, contributing crosslink density and mechanical performance like any conventional thermoset. Above ~ 110 °C the retro-DA reaction unzips a fraction of the network: the matrix locally softens, micro-cracks heal, and bonds re-form on cooling. The result is a composite with a recoverable failure mode rather than catastrophic delamination.
Where it fits
NPL-SH01 is designed for blending into existing epoxy and BMI prepreg formulations, not as a standalone resin. Typical loadings are 4-12 wt% of the resin phase, depending on whether the goal is partial healing (extended fatigue life) or full recovery (programmable repair). The kit is shipped as Component A and Component B in matched 1:1 mass packs, characterised together as a system.
Why we make it
The matched diene/dienophile pair is currently not produced at any scale in Australia. Imported equivalents arrive irregularly, ship under reagent rules that complicate defence-program use, and rarely come with the per-lot characterisation primes need to onboard a material. NPL produces both components domestically with full lot traceability, NMR + GC purity, and documentation that satisfies prime-vendor onboarding.
SpecificationSH01-K · lot 2026
| Component A purity | ≥ 98.5 % (NMR) |
| Component B purity | ≥ 98.5 % (NMR) |
| Functionality | 2 (each component) |
| DA trigger | 110-130 °C |
| Retro-DA onset | ~ 130-150 °C |
| Mass-recovery (matrix) | ≥ 80 % after one cycle |
| Pack ratio | 1 : 1 by mass* |
| Storage | 2-8 °C · sealed, dry |
| Shelf life | 12 months from manufacture |
| Hazard (Component B) | Sensitiser · GHS Cat 1 |
* application-specific. consult tech notes for off-1:1 systems.
ApplicationsRepresentative
Self-healing skin matrices
Fatigue-life extension of carbon-epoxy and BMI airframe sections by introducing reversible crosslink chemistry into the matrix. Targets micro-crack accumulation in lap joints and impact-damaged plies.
Marine-environment laminates
Pairing with epoxy primer systems for hull and superstructure laminates where cyclic moisture / impact damage is the dominant failure mode and field repair is operationally costly.
Programmable adhesive systems
Heat-debondable adhesives for end-of-life disassembly, recyclable laminates, and rework-friendly coatings, same chemistry, civilian framing.
Academic / R&D programs
Research-grade quantities (1-50 g) for polymer groups developing dynamic covalent networks, vitrimers, and thermoreversible thermosets.
Pack scalesEx-stock
1 g
A 0.5 g + B 0.5 g ● In stock5 g
A 2.5 g + B 2.5 g ● In stock50 g
A 25 g + B 25 g ● In stock200 g
A 100 g + B 100 g ● In stockDocumentationPer-lot
Certificate of Analysis
Per-lot, NPL QC-issued. Identifies lot ID, manufacture date, purity, functional-group assay, retest date.
¹H + ¹³C spectra
Component-A and Component-B spectra, lot-tagged, with structure assignment. PDF + raw FID on request.
Safety Data Sheet
GHS Rev 7. Two SDS (one per component) plus a kit-level handling memo for combined storage and transport.
Trigger-window verification
On request: TGA / DSC traces confirming retro-DA onset on a representative blend at the customer's loading.
Ordering & logisticsAU + export
NPL-SH01 ships from Brisbane in matched-pair packs (1 g, 5 g, 50 g, 200 g). Larger quantities (≥ 1 kg) are made-to-order under contract manufacturing terms, see SV-02 Contract Manufacturing.
Shipping inside Australia is overnight courier with cold-chain on the bis-maleimide component. International shipping is supported subject to destination-country import rules; export to listed parties or destinations under DTC Act control may require additional permits, see Export Controls notice.
Bulk discount tiers apply from 50 g matched-pair upward. The full price list and program terms are issued under a one-page mutual NDA.