Concrete infrastructure deteriorates through multiple mechanisms, with microcracks developing into structural concerns that compromise durability. Field studies show that untreated microcracks of 0.2mm can expand to critical widths exceeding 1mm within 2-3 years, leading to accelerated degradation through water infiltration, chloride penetration, and freeze-thaw cycles.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing repair mechanisms that can detect and respond to damage autonomously while maintaining the concrete's structural properties and cost-effectiveness.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including microencapsulated repair agents with multi-responsive triggers, calcium carbonate-producing biological systems, and electromagnetic induction-based healing mechanisms. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation in real-world construction environments while addressing both immediate crack repair and long-term durability requirements.

1. Cement-Based Material with Multi-Responsive Microencapsulated Repair Agents

JIANGSU BOSITONG NEW MATERIALS CO LTD, 2025

A microencapsulated repair agent and self-repairing cement-based material that combines advanced microcapsule technology with cement-based construction. The microcapsules contain a humidity-responsive outer layer, a pH-responsive middle layer, and a temperature-responsive inner layer, which release their repair agents in response to environmental conditions. The microcapsules are dispersed within the cement matrix, where they interact with the cement's microstructure to form a self-repairing material that restores concrete's mechanical properties. The microcapsules enable early repair through humidity sensing and pH-mediated degradation, while the cement matrix provides the structural backbone. This innovative approach addresses the limitations of traditional repair methods by integrating microcapsules into the cement matrix.

CN119504176A-patent-drawing

2. Self-Repairing Concrete with Heat-Shrinkable Fiber Mesh and Electromagnetic Induction Fibers

WUHAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2025

Self-repairing concrete that combines heat-shrinkable fiber mesh with electromagnetic induction self-repairing fibers for enhanced durability and crack resistance. The self-repairing concrete comprises a heat-shrinkable fiber mesh woven with cross-linked modified polyester and aramid fibers, and an electromagnetic induction self-repairing fiber comprising core material and wall material. The composite material is prepared through a process involving a spinning solution containing core material, wall material, and magnetic material, followed by electrospinning to form fibrous microcapsules. The self-repairing concrete achieves improved durability and crack resistance through the controlled release of repair agents from the microcapsules, while maintaining its mechanical properties and impact resistance.

CN119390378A-patent-drawing

3. Ultra-High Performance Concrete with Magnetic Induction Self-Repairing Microcapsules and Hydrophilic Heat-Shrinkable Fiber Mesh

WUHAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2025

Self-repairing ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) with enhanced durability and crack resistance, achieved through a novel combination of magnetic induction self-repairing microcapsules and hydrophilic modified heat-shrinkable fiber mesh. The microcapsules contain a core material and a wall material, while the fiber mesh incorporates a copper-plated short steel fiber. The system integrates these components into the UHPC matrix, where the microcapsules rupture under magnetic field exposure, releasing repair agents that flow into cracks. The heat-shrinkable fiber mesh, meanwhile, applies controlled compressive stress to the surrounding hardened gel paste, generating pre-compressive forces that enhance crack resistance. This integrated approach combines the mechanical reinforcement of fiber mesh with the controlled crack repair mechanism of magnetic induction self-repairing microcapsules, providing superior durability and crack resistance compared to conventional repair methods.

4. Concrete Composition with Microcapsules for Autonomous Crack Repair

DR P SURESH KUMAR, 2024

Self-healing concrete that autonomously repairs cracks in concrete structures through a biologically inspired mechanism. The material incorporates microcapsules containing healing agents that rupture upon crack formation, releasing the agents to fill the voids and restore the concrete's integrity. This approach enables proactive crack repair without human intervention, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact. The material combines advanced materials science, biotechnology, and structural engineering to create a durable, sustainable, and cost-effective solution for infrastructure maintenance and repair.

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5. Self-Repairing Concrete with Fiber Reinforcement and Electromagnetic Induction Microcapsules

WUHAN TEXTILE UNIVERSITY, 2024

A self-repairing concrete that combines fiber reinforcement with electromagnetic induction microcapsules for crack healing. The composite material comprises a fiber matrix and electromagnetic induction microcapsules, where the microcapsules contain a core material of acrylic ester, a fiber matrix, and a cement-based matrix. The microcapsules rupture under stress, releasing healing agents to fill cracks, while the fiber reinforcement enhances the material's mechanical properties. The microcapsules are dispersed throughout the fiber matrix, ensuring continuous healing of cracks without compromising the structural integrity of the concrete.

6. Self-Healing Concrete with Calcium Carbonate-Producing Microorganisms and Illite-Enhanced Bio-Matrix

CHUNJEE CORP CO LTD, 2024

Eco-friendly self-healing concrete using calcium carbonate-producing microorganisms and illite, which combines the benefits of microbial calcium carbonate precipitation with the natural properties of illite. The bio-matrix comprises cement, silica sand, illite powder with microorganisms immobilized by culture medium, and an activator agent. When cracks occur, the microorganisms produce calcium carbonate through microbial calcium carbonate precipitation, while illite absorbs harmful substances and emits far-infrared rays. The bio-matrix exhibits antibacterial properties and can be applied to concrete structures.

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7. Protective Layer for Concrete with Self-Healing Cement Matrix and Integrated Nanomaterials, Phase Change, and Light-Reflective Additives

SOUTHEAST UNIVERSITY, 2024

A multifunctional adaptive intelligent protective layer for concrete that simultaneously protects against carbonization, freeze-thaw cycles, radiation, and temperature fluctuations. The protective layer comprises a self-healing cement matrix, nanomaterials for enhanced early strength and self-healing, a phase change material for thermal management, and a light-reflective additive. The layer's uniform dispersion of these components within the cement matrix enables rapid curing, improved compatibility with the concrete matrix, and comprehensive protection against multiple environmental stressors.

CN118459170A-patent-drawing

8. Concrete Composition with Inactivated Basalt Fibers and Integrated Titanium Dioxide-Copper Sulfide Barrier System

XIAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, Xi'an University of Technology, 2023

Inactivated and sterilized basalt fiber modified concrete that provides enhanced durability against environmental corrosion and biological degradation. The concrete combines basalt fibers with titanium dioxide and copper sulfide to create a network of protective barriers that prevent water penetration and microbial growth. The sterilization process inactivates the fibers while maintaining their structural integrity, resulting in a concrete with improved resistance to chemical attack and biological degradation. The sterilized basalt fibers also exhibit enhanced mechanical properties, including improved compressive strength and resistance to shrinkage.

9. Concrete Material with Hydrophobic Domains for Reversible Polymerization and Self-Healing Mechanism

FEIPENG LIU, 2023

A self-healing concrete material that enhances early age strength and durability through a novel biological-inspired mechanism. The material incorporates hydrophobic domains that, upon exposure to water and mineral oil, undergo denaturation and undergo reversible polymerization reactions. This self-activated healing process enables the material to fill micro-cracks with reduced brittleness and enhanced viscoelasticity and viscous plasticity, particularly beneficial for applications requiring long-term structural integrity.

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10. Cement-Based Composite with Sodium Silicate, Superabsorbent Resin, and Self-Repairing Mineral Particles

CSCEC STRAIT CONSTRUCTION & DEV CO LTD, 2023

A self-healing cement-based composite material and preparation method that enables rapid repair of cracks in concrete structures through a novel combination of sodium silicate, superabsorbent resin, and self-repairing mineral particles. The material combines a sodium silicate-based repair agent with a superabsorbent resin and mineral particles, where the ratio of components is optimized at 1:6:50. The self-repairing mineral particles are specifically engineered to form a protective film around the repair agent, allowing the material to seal and repair cracks through controlled hydration reactions. The preparation method involves precise mixing of the components, followed by controlled application and curing processes that enable the material to self-repair cracks in concrete structures.

CN116161941A-patent-drawing

11. Cement Compositions with Polymerization-Based Reversible Bonding for Self-Healing Capabilities

BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, 2023

Self-healing cement compositions that enable controlled, temperature-insensitive bonding between cement and aggregate particles through novel polymerization-based mechanisms. The compositions incorporate polymers that form reversible, dynamic chemical bonds with both cement and aggregate particles, enabling self-repairing of cracks through controlled polymer-polymer interactions. This approach enables self-healing at ambient temperatures, with the polymers exhibiting enhanced durability and mechanical properties compared to conventional self-healing systems. The compositions achieve remarkable self-repair capabilities, including recovery of compressive strength after multiple damage events, while maintaining consistent hydration properties and mechanical performance.

US2023109371A1-patent-drawing

12. Ultra-High Performance Concrete with Polycarboxylate Water-Reducing Agent and Self-Healing Fly Ash

CHINA STATE CONSTRUCTION PORT ENGINEERING GROUP CO LTD, 2023

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) material with enhanced thermal self-repair capabilities, comprising a high-efficiency water-reducing agent and fly ash with specific properties. The UHPC formulation incorporates a polycarboxylate-based water-reducing agent with a high water-reducing rate of 229%, and a fly ash with a high-temperature self-healing capability. The combination of these components enables the material to self-repair in high-temperature environments through continuous hydration of the undisturbed fly ash particles, resulting in improved mechanical properties and enhanced durability.

13. Joint Mortar with Self-Repairing Microcapsules and Dynamic Water-Binder Ratio Adjustment

Nanjing Ruide High-Tech Co., Ltd., 常州市三级航道网整治工程建设指挥部办公室, CHINA DESIGN GROUP CO LTD, 2022

A joint mortar for concrete construction that enhances durability through controlled water-binder ratios. The mortar composition includes self-repairing microcapsules that adjust their water content based on the concrete curing time. When new concrete is poured within 7 days, the microcapsules reduce the water-binder ratio to 0.01-0.03. As the concrete ages beyond 7 days, the microcapsules gradually increase the water-binder ratio to 0.04-0.08. This controlled water-binder profile enables optimal curing conditions for both new and old concrete, while maintaining the self-healing properties of the joint surface.

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14. Foam Concrete with Fiber-Embedded Carbonic Acid-Tinase Enzyme for Self-Healing via Calcium Carbonate Precipitation

ZHEJIANG ERJIAN CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO LTD, 2022

Self-healing foam concrete that combines enhanced durability and impact resistance with improved water management. The novel foam concrete incorporates a carbonic acid-tinase enzyme immobilized in a fiber matrix, which catalyzes rapid hydration of CO2 to produce calcium carbonate precipitation upon concrete damage. This self-healing mechanism enables rapid repair of cracks, while maintaining superior mechanical properties and low water absorption compared to conventional foamed concrete. The fiber matrix itself is reinforced with a co-spinning carbonic acid-tinase-containing fiber, providing enhanced mechanical performance and durability.

15. Method for Evaluating Self-Healing Properties of Graphene Microcapsule Asphalt Mortars via Dual Mechanism Analysis

Harbin Institute of Technology, HARBIN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, 2022

A novel method for evaluating the self-healing properties of graphene microcapsule asphalt mortars through a dual mechanism approach. The method assesses the combined effects of self-healing and thermal induction mechanisms in asphalt mortars containing graphene microcapsules. The evaluation process involves monitoring both the repair process through self-healing mechanisms and the accelerated healing process through thermal induction mechanisms. This comprehensive approach provides a more accurate representation of the asphalt mortar's self-healing capabilities compared to traditional single mechanism testing.

16. Reinforced Concrete with Microcapsules Containing Polylactic Acid and Calcium Hexaaluminate

SHENYANG UNIVERSITY, Shenyang University, 2022

Self-healing reinforced concrete with built-in microcapsules that combines early crack repair with enhanced durability through a novel reinforcement system. The coating liquid contains polylactic acid (PLA) as the primary polymer component, with calcium hexaaluminate (CaAl2O4) added to enhance bonding and corrosion resistance. The PLA matrix provides a durable, fire-resistant matrix for the microcapsules, while the CaAl2O4 particles reinforce the coating's mechanical properties. When cracks form, the microcapsules rupture, releasing the CaAl2O4 particles that react with the surrounding concrete to seal the crack. This integrated approach enables early crack repair while maintaining long-term durability through enhanced reinforcement and corrosion protection.

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17. Self-Healing Mortar with Cerium-Bonded Acrylic Acid-Acrylamide Copolymer Network

Yangzhou University, YANGZHOU UNIVERSITY, 2022

Environmentally responsive self-healing mortar that combines crack suppression and repair capabilities. The self-healing mortar comprises a water-absorbing polymer network formed by a cerium-bonded acrylic acid-acrylamide copolymer, which undergoes solution polymerization to form a stable network. This polymer network exhibits enhanced hydration and interaction with cement matrix, enabling crack healing through both early and late stages of concrete service. The polymer network also enables real-time monitoring of crack development through luminescent properties of rare earth ions.

CN112710519B-patent-drawing

18. Nano-Regenerative Concrete with Fly Ash, Polyvinyl Alcohol, and Graphene Oxide Hydrogel Network for Enhanced Marine Corrosion Resistance and Interlayer Bonding

Qingdao University of Technology, QINGDAO UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2022

A nano-regenerative concrete that enables rapid construction of coastal structures through 3D printing, featuring enhanced marine corrosion protection and improved interlayer bonding. The concrete combines fly ash, polyvinyl alcohol, and graphene oxide to create a hydrogel network, where polyvinyl alcohol intercalates with graphene oxide to form a stable, marine-resistant coating. The resulting concrete exhibits superior mechanical properties, including high early strength, good water resistance, and enhanced interlayer bonding, making it suitable for rapid construction of complex coastal structures.

CN113307597B-patent-drawing

19. Concrete Powder with Calcium Oxide, Carbon Crystal, Titanium Dioxide, and Silica for Controlled Microcirculation and Self-Repair

FENG CHEN, 2021

Durable powder for concrete with enhanced durability and performance through controlled microcirculation and self-repair mechanisms. The powder combines calcium oxide, carbon crystal, titanium dioxide, and silica in a specific ratio, with lithium water and sulfur-containing water added to enhance hydration and microcrack management. The powder is designed to pass through a 1600 mesh sieve for effective implantation into concrete pores, allowing precise control over its distribution and performance. This powder enables concrete to exhibit superior durability, waterproofing, and impermeability properties, particularly in harsh environmental conditions.

CN113860782A-patent-drawing

20. Cement-Based Composite with Magnesium Oxide and Super Absorbent Resin for Self-Healing Crack Sealing

SHANDONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 2021

A high-ductility cement-based composite material for bridge deck construction that enhances crack resistance through self-healing capabilities. The composite combines a magnesium oxide-based additive with a super absorbent resin to create a composite that rapidly seals cracks through enhanced hydration. This additive enables faster and more effective crack repair compared to traditional cement-based materials, while maintaining their high ductility and performance characteristics.

CN112939550A-patent-drawing

21. Concrete Matrix with Integrated Crystalline Material and Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber Reinforcement

22. Method for Surface Protection of Concrete Structures Using Concrete Base Adjustment Material with Controlled Drying

23. Cement Mortar with Embedded Microcapsules for Self-Healing and Electromagnetic Shielding

24. Concrete Composition with Electromagnetic Controlled Release Microcapsules and Steel Fibers for Thermal Expansion-Induced Crack Healing

25. Concrete Composition Incorporating High-Iron Sulphoaluminate Cement and Polymer Resin for Self-Healing Matrix Formation

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