Designing a Self-healing Composite Material for Aerospace Structural Components

Abstract

The aerospace industry demands materials that exhibit incomparable durability and reliability under harsh functioning conditions. Composite materials have emerged as a promising solution due to their lightweight properties and high strength-to-weight ratio. However, these materials are susceptible to damage, which can compromise structural integrity and safety. To address this challenge, the concept of self-healing composite materials has garnered significant attention. This abstract presents a comprehensive overview of the ongoing research efforts aimed at designing self-healing composite materials for aerospace components. The primary objective is to investigate self-healing technologies in the aerospace industries. We explore various self-healing mechanisms, including microcapsule-based, vascular, and intrinsic healing, and their applicability to aerospace composites. The design process involves selecting compatible healing agents, encapsulation methods, and activation triggers while ensuring minimal weight gain and maintaining the material's mechanical properties. Furthermore, this abstract discusses the benefits and challenges of self- healing composites. Finally, to propose the potential application in aerospace industry and develop self- healing materials that are compatible with existing aerospace manufacturing and maintenance processes. In conclusion, the development of selfhealing composite materials holds great promise for enhancing the performance, safety, and sustainability of aerospace components.