Michelle Pelletier, a University of Rhode Island master's degree candidate from Woonsocket, Rhode Island has embedded a microencapsulated healing agent directly into a concrete formulation enabling it to 'heal.' When tiny stress cracks begin to form in the concrete, the embedded healing agent reacts with other concrete components to produce crack-filling goo that hardens in about a week.
The self-healing concrete formula may also be less corrosive to the metal reinforcement bars commonly used in concrete construction. “If self-healing concrete can lengthen the life of the concrete and reduce maintenance and repairs, it will ultimately reduce the production of excess amounts of concrete and result in a decrease in CO2 emissions,” Pelletier said.
Why This Trend Is Growing
- Self-healing Materials
- The development of materials that have self-healing properties presents an opportunity for disruption across various industries that rely on the durability of materials.
- Eco-friendly Construction
- The use of self-healing concrete presents new ways for the construction industry to reduce waste, improve sustainability, and decrease CO2 emissions.
- Material Technology Advancements
- The incorporation of advanced materials like microencapsulated healing agents in existing materials can lead to improved durability and increased longevity.
Industries Being Reshaped
- Construction Industry
- The self-healing concrete technology has the potential to decrease maintenance costs and increase the useful life of concrete structures and components.
- Infrastructure Industry
- Self-healing materials like concrete have the potential to reduce the need for costly repairs and maintenance, therefore improving the durability and lifespan of infrastructure.
- Sustainable Manufacturing Industry
- The use of self-healing concrete is not only environmentally friendly but can also improve the overall sustainability of the manufacturing and construction process.
