Self-healing

A relatively new technology can be deployed to arrest crack formation. This strategy can be deployed as a countermeasure to known crack initiators or to add an additional measure of safety to the product design. Self-healing materials add cost and weight to the product and thus should only be used in cases where the benefits are greater than the added costs. Self-healing material properties can be successfully exploited in circumstances where damage is the norm rather than the exception. An example is to improve impact resistance of police radios, thus preserving the officer’s ability to call for help should a scuffle or an armed conflict develop. Therefore, deploying self-healing materials could in fact be a life-saver. Despite the advantages, very few organizations have the experience to develop a commercially viable solution. GB Mentors can help in this rapidly developing area.