Self Healing Material: An Introduction

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 06 | Page : 604 611
    By

    Rina Singh,

  • Jyoti Katyal,

  1. Senior Principal Scientist, Transportation Planning and Environment Division, CSIR-Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Amity Institute of Applied Sciences, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract

Self-healing materials have emerged as a transformative innovation for sustainable infrastructure and advanced applications such as wearable electronics and smart transportation systems. These materials possess the intrinsic ability to repair damage autonomously or with minimal external intervention, thereby extending service life and reducing maintenance costs. Inspired by biological systems, self-healing mechanisms are broadly classified into extrinsic approaches, such as microcapsule and vascular networks based healing, and intrinsic mechanisms involving reversible chemical or physical interactions (Diels-Alder reaction, Imine bonds, hydrogen bonds, host-guest interactions, π-π interactions, ion-dipole and hydrophobic interactions that act between molecules). This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent advances in self-healing technologies for civil engineering applications, particularly in road construction and pavement materials. The integration of bacteria-based self-healing in concrete, utilizing calcite-precipitating strains such as Bacillus subtilis, demonstrates promising results in mitigating crack propagation and corrosion of reinforcement through biomineralization. Similarly, the incorporation of microcapsules containing rejuvenators in asphalt pavements enables autonomous healing under mechanical stress, enhancing durability without compromising performance. Additionally, shape memory polymers (SMPs) offer unique opportunities for thermally triggered crack closure and property restoration, supported by reversible bond exchange reactions and polymer chain Interdiffusion. These innovations collectively present significant potential to enhance resilience, safety, and sustainability in infrastructure systems. However, challenges remain concerning cost-effectiveness, large-scale implementation, environmental impact, and compatibility with existing construction methods. Future research must focus on optimizing healing efficiency, improving encapsulation strategies, and conducting extensive field trials to validate long-term performance. The widespread adoption of self-healing materials could revolutionize road infrastructure by reducing environmental burdens, minimizing maintenance needs, and ensuring safer, more durable transportation networks

Keywords: Self-healing Materials, Concrete, Asphalt, Microcapsules, Shape Memory Polymers, Sustainable Infrastructure.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Rina Singh, Jyoti Katyal. Self Healing Material: An Introduction. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):604-611.
How to cite this URL:
Rina Singh, Jyoti Katyal. Self Healing Material: An Introduction. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2025; 13(06):604-611. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=233903


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 13
Special Issue 06
Received 08/04/2025
Accepted 10/05/2025
Published 01/09/2025
Publication Time 146 Days
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