DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-HEALING MATERIALS FOR STRUCTURAL APPLICATIONS

Self-healing materials represent a groundbreaking innovation in structural engineering, designed to autonomously repair damage and restore functional integrity without external intervention. This paper investigates the development, performance, and application of self-healing systems across various structural contexts, including aerospace, civil infrastructure, marine environments, and renewable energy. Laboratory and field data reveal that advanced healing mechanisms, such as microcapsule-embedded polymers, vascular networks, and bacteria-based cementitious materials, can restore 85–89% of original strength and reduce crack widths by up to 92%. Comparative case studies illustrate that these materials significantly extend service life, lower maintenance costs, and enhance sustainability despite higher initial investment. The study also examines key factors influencing healing efficiency, such as environmental exposure, material composition, and damage severity. The findings highlight self-healing materials as a viable solution for resilient and sustainable infrastructure, with promising implications for future large-scale adoption.