Future of concrete: autonomous self-healing with advanced microcapsule technology

Abstract

The demand for durable and sustainable construction materials has driven significant interest in self-healing techniques for cement-based materials (CBMs). This review focuses on the comprehensive analysis of microcapsule-based self-healing systems, demonstrating their comparative advantages over conventional methods such as groove filling, structural strengthening, grouting and surface coating by enabling autonomous, localized repair of microcracks. Key microcapsule architectures, such as single-core, dual-core and multi-walled types, are examined to explain how their unique structures contribute to enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the self-healing process. A critical comparison of existing microcapsule formulations identifies major challenges such as premature leaching, shell instability and poor dispersion, alongside innovative strategies to overcome these issues. The review further explores diverse fabrication techniques and the influence of factors like pH, stirring speed and emulsifier type on microcapsule performance, providing valuable insights for optimized design. It also addresses the evaluation of self-healing efficiency in CBMs through different methods, emphasizing ways to accurately assess healing performance. Current characterization and healing evaluation techniques are evaluated, with recommendations for improving the accuracy and reliability of self-healing assessments. Finally, practical applications, implementation challenges and future prospects are discussed, positioning microcapsule-based self-healing as an emerging avenue to extend the lifespan and resilience of infrastructure while supporting sustainable development goals. This integrative review aims to guide researchers and engineers in advancing next-generation self-healing CBMs for safer and longer-lasting built environments.