Self-healing microcapsule – a way towards futuristic cement: an-up-to-date-review

Abstract

This article provides a brief description of microcapsule self-healing technique and its potential use in concrete structures. Because concrete is readily available and reasonably priced, it is widely utilised in the building industry globally, despite its susceptibility to the formation of cracks. The longevity and security of concrete buildings are greatly impacted by the existence of cracks and other deterioration occurring during the course of their use. Through the encapsulation of healing material inside microcapsules, which shows rupture upon cracking in cement-based materials, the microcapsule exhibits promise in accomplishing self-healing and increasing durability and strength in the structures. The article first explains the basic ideas behind the science of microcapsule self-healing and then looks at different ways to prepare microcapsules. It also looks into how adding microcapsules affects the basic characteristics of the concrete building. A summary of the efficiency and self-healing mechanisms of microcapsules is also provided.

Highlights

• The article explains the advantages of the microcapsule self-healing method in concrete.

• Preparation method and intrinsic properties of different microcapsules are discussed.

• Different self-healing measurement techniques in cement-based materials are discussed.

• The study examines the qualitative aspects of various self-healing methods.

• Looks into how adding microcapsules affects the properties of cementitious materials.

Keywords:

• Cement-based materials
• microcapsule
• self-healing
• polymerisation
• durability

Disclosure statement

No potential conflicts of interest have been reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors would like to thank Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science and Technology, India Inspire, New Delhi (DST/INSPIRE/03/2022/006575/[IF220511]) for financial assistance.