Self healing materials: A new era in material technology: A review

Polymer composites have been widely used in various engineering fields because of their advantages such as light-weight, good processability, chemical stability in any atmospheric condition. Exposure to harsh environment, easily lead to microcracks. Formation of microcracks is a critical problem in polymer composites during their service in structural applications. Development and coalescence of microcracks would bring about catastrophic failure of the materials and thus reduce their lifetimes. Hence, early sensing, diagnosis and repair of microcracks is of utmost importance to avoid latent perils. This paper reviews the state-of-art self-healing techniques that are developed by the researchers in and around the world.