Self-Healing Materials with Microvascular Networks
Optical image of self-healing structure after cracks are formed in the coating, revealing the presence of excess healing fluid on the coating surface [scale bar = 5 mm].
Links to the Advanced Online Publication of our article in Nature Materials
- ''Self-Healing Materials with Microvascular Networks'' (Full Text, PDF)
- Related Press Coverage
Background, Interpretation, and Significance
This manuscript introduces a new generation of bioinspired materials that are able to repeatedly and autonomically heal crack damage through the incorporation of embedded microvascular networks. Delivery of healing agents to a damaged region via this microvascular network overcomes a significant limitation of previously reported, microencapsulated-based self-healing materials [White et al, 409, Nature, 794-797, 2001] i.e., the finite supply of healing agent contained within the capsules. The microvascular delivery mechanism provides a renewable source for the healing agents, which therefore enables repeated healing of fracture events and significantly extends the life of these materials. More...
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Video
Network Cracking
Healing Agent Delivery
Reference
Kathleen S. Toohey, Scott R. White, Jennifer A. Lewis, Jeffrey S. Moore and Nancy R. Sottos, ''Self-Healing Materials with Microvascular Networks'', Nature Materials.
Published on line June 10, 2007, DOI: 10.1038/nmat1934.
Lead Author, Kathleen S. Toohey received her PhD in Theoretical and Applied Mechanics from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May, 2007. She is currently working as a post-doctoral researcher in the Microvascular Autonomic Composites Group at the Beckman Institute.