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Self-healing materials represent a revolution in sustainable construction, offering solutions to critical challenges faced by the construction sector. With their ability to autonomously repair damage, extend the life of structures, and reduce maintenance costs, these materials are paving the way for a more resilient and eco-friendlier built environment. As the industry moves towards a future with heightened environmental consciousness, the integration of self-healing materials promises to reshape construction practices and contribute to a more sustainable world.
Globally, many researchers are seeking to develop innovative construction materials, that can drive the future of sustainable construction practices. In Australia, at the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering in the University of Technology Sydney’s (UTS) Faculty of Engineering and IT, researchers have created smart concrete that is self-sensing, self-healing, and hydrophobic.
Moreover, the researchers' groundbreaking material boasts self-healing capabilities as well. Wengui Li elaborated on the process, explaining that when the concrete develops cracks, the nano-materials incorporated into the concrete during its preparation interact with water and calcium hydroxide. This chemical reaction triggers the generation of new material, effectively filling the cracks and enabling seamless self-repair.
Innovation in the self-repair concrete space has been growing significantly in the global market over the last few years. In the United Kingdom, for instance, self-healing technology is gaining increasing prominence. Mimicrete, an advanced material science startup, developed self-healing concrete technologies to repair cracks as soon as they appear. The startup was launched in 2021 with the aim of developing sustainable and resilient construction materials. According to Mimicrete, the technology developed requires no manual intervention post-installation, while increasing the strength of the concrete.
The firm, in June 2022, also received £450,000 in funding from the Innovate UK Smart Grant. Along with government funding, the startup is also backed by venture capital firms such as Vest Coast Capital and Leonas Capital. Mimicrete, in June 2022, also announced the launch of its first commercial pilot program in partnership with JP Concrete. The project with JP Concrete is focused on advancing the development of Mimicrete's self-healing concrete product.
Another innovation in the space includes the generation of electricity through smart concrete. Researchers, from the University of Pittsburgh, revealed that they developed a metamaterial concrete in April 2023. According to the researchers, metamaterial concrete can include compression, sensing, and energy-harvesting capabilities. Going forward, ConsTrack360 expects more such innovative startups and projects to emerge in the space, thus paving the way for sustainable construction practices in the global market.
The investment in the space is also poised to grow significantly over the next five years, as big construction giants are also seeking to improve their carbon footprints, and therefore, investing in innovative projects like self-healing construction materials. Consequently, ConsTrack360 expects the market to grow significantly from the short to medium-term perspective, as participation from public and private entities will keep aiding innovation in the sector.
