The University of Cambridge has developed self-healing concrete

Recently, researchers at the University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom used microcapsules technology to develop self-healing building materials. The microcapsules developed by the team contain mineral, epoxy or polyurethane repair agents that, when introduced into building materials, can self-heal micro-cracks that occur after the building is serviced, BBC News reported.
Livia Ribeiro de Souza, one of the team members, said that many composite building materials, such as concrete, age over time, and micro-cracks are one of the typical symptoms . The purpose of our study is to solve these problems by adding microcapsules containing repair agents before concrete is used, and when micro-cracks occur, microcapsules are "broken" to release the repair agent, so that the damaged parts are repaired and the material structure is stabilized.
To achieve this technical idea, we need to use microflow technology to function the dual emulsion microcapsules, since 2014 we have adopted Dolomite microflow control system, the study found that compared to traditional emulsion polymerization technology, microflow control of particle size and components is better, and simplifies the analysis and optimization process of particle performance.
Using Dolomite microflow control system, a functional microcapsules have been developed, which can have a stronger binding force with cement substituts, and the microcapsules have thinner walls and longer clad core materials, improving self-healing performance. Dr. Livia believes that the application of microflow control systems can greatly help our research ideas, accelerate our research process and improve the efficiency of research and development.