Self-healing smart materials have the potential to change the future of the global construction industry

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In a world where sustainability and resource efficiency are paramount, the global construction industry stands at a crossroads. As urbanization and infrastructure development continue to surge, the industry's environmental impact has come under scrutiny. However, a beacon of hope is emerging in the form of self-healing smart materials. These innovative materials hold the potential to reshape the construction landscape, not only by enhancing durability and structural integrity but also by significantly reducing carbon emissions in the long run. With groundbreaking research and developments underway, the future of construction looks poised for transformation.

The concept of self-healing materials might sound futuristic. However, it is rapidly becoming a reality thanks to cutting-edge research and technology. In the construction sector, where wear and tear, weathering, and cracks in concrete and bricks are common challenges, self-healing materials offer a promising solution.  At the heart of these materials lies their ability to respond to external stimuli.

Through various mechanisms, such as microcapsules containing healing agents or vascular networks that distribute healing agents when damage occurs, these materials can initiate repair processes without human intervention. Researchers, worldwide, are exploring diverse approaches to enable materials to heal by filling cracks, strengthening structural integrity, and prolonging the lifespan of constructions.

• Alongside individual researchers, prominent government-backed entities like the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency are also seeking to develop self-healing materials for military installations. DARPA, for instance, is experimenting to develop a specific type of concrete using the principles of biology and concrete to restore aging concrete structures.
• Called BRACE (Bio-Inspired Restoration of Old Concrete Edifices) employs living organisms to establish an internal vascular system within concrete. This intricate network has the capability to internally repair cracks, averting their emergence on the surface of structures. This novel approach enables concrete to engage in a healing process reminiscent of that in living beings. Additionally, this technique can also be utilized for diagnosing concrete degradation.

Such innovative self-healing construction materials would not only reduce the maintenance and repair costs significantly for government organizations, but it will also help them in achieving their carbon emission goals.

Construction activities are a major contributor to carbon dioxide emissions, primarily due to the energy-intensive production of building materials and the construction processes themselves. The lifecycle impact of a building is often characterized by its operational emissions, but the emissions tied to material extraction, production, and maintenance cannot be overlooked.

• Self-healing smart materials offer a twofold approach to carbon emission reduction. First, by extending the lifespan of structures and reducing the frequency of repairs or replacements, these materials inherently minimize the need for resource-intensive construction activities. This directly translates into lower emissions associated with the manufacturing and transportation of construction materials.

• Second, self-healing materials reduce the demand for cement production, a process notorious for its high carbon footprint. Cement production alone is responsible for a significant portion of the construction industry's emissions due to the release of carbon dioxide during the chemical transformation of limestone into cement. With self-healing concrete leading to reduced crack-related maintenance, the demand for cement could decrease, further contributing to emission reductions.

While the potential benefits of self-healing smart materials in revolutionizing the construction industry are undeniable, challenges and considerations still abound. The technology is relatively new and might come with higher upfront costs due to the research, development, and implementation of these materials. Moreover, questions related to the long-term durability, scalability, and cost-effectiveness of these materials on a large scale need to be addressed.

However, with ongoing advancements and increasing interest from both the research community and the construction sector, these challenges are not insurmountable. As researchers continue to refine and scale up these technologies, the construction industry stands to benefit from decreased environmental impact, prolonged infrastructure lifespans, and enhanced resource efficiency.

The growing shift towards sustainable construction smart materials will, therefore, aid the growth of the industry from the medium to long-term perspective. Based on the estimates of ConsTrack360, the global smart materials market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2023 to 2027, during which the industry will increase from US$46.8 billion in 2022 to reach US$72 billion by 2027.

To know more and gain a deeper understanding of the global smart materials market, click here.