Engineering researchers have developed a new self-healing composite that allows structures to repair themselves in place, without having to be removed from service. This latest technology resolves two longstanding challenges for self-healing materials, and can significantly extend the lifespan of structural components such as wind-turbine blades and aircraft wings.
Image: The image shows 3D printed thermoplastic on woven-carbon fiber reinforcement. The structure is a new, self-healing composite that allows structures to repair themselves in place, without having to be removed from service. This technology resolves two longstanding challenges for self-healing materials, and can significantly extend the lifespan of structural components such as wind-turbine blades and aircraft wings. (Credit: Jason Patrick, NC State University)
