structural component tagged posts

New Tech Solves Longstanding Challenges for Self-healing Materials

image shows blue piping (thermoplastic) embedded in a black carbon fiber mesh
3D printed thermoplastic on woven-carbon fiber reinforcement.

Engineering researchers have developed a new self-healing composite that allows structures to repair themselves in place, without having to be removed from service. This latest technology resolves two longstanding challenges for self-healing materials, and can significantly extend the lifespan of structural components such as wind-turbine blades and aircraft wings.

“Researchers have developed a variety of self-healing materials, but previous strategies for self-healing composites have faced two practical challenges,” says Jason Patrick, corresponding author of the research paper and an assistant professor of civil, construction and environmental engineering at North Carolina State University.

“First, the materials ofte...

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