Critical Aspects in the Development and Integration of Encapsulated Healing Agents in Cement and Concrete

Self-healing cement composites are considered to be an effective solution towards the enhancement of sustainability and service-life concrete structures, as well reduction repair maintenance cost. Among several self-healing technologies, encapsulated healing agents present benefits that include larger cracks timeless potential upon damage. This paper presents a critical overview progress made in development agents, along with main achievements related their integration mixtures. Encapsulated were classified according size two categories: (i) spherical microcapsules up 1 mm, (ii) macrocapsules capsules (>1 mm) and/or tubular 100 millimeters long. The review emphasizes on performance characteristics shell material capsule system necessary order protect different types long-term, provide even distribution survivability finally, ensure efficient triggering release agent during crack propagation. relevant literature is analyzed discussed above thematic priorities, aiming locate research gaps best practices thus, enable facilitate could scaled-up. To this end, particular emphasis given effect properties both fresh mixtures hardened specimens.