Self Repairing and Self Sensing Multifunctional Composites

The proposed innovation is a multifunctional smart self sensing and self repairing composite that provides shielding. It addresses the two basic risk issues that are constraining composite use: durability and confidence in repairs so that uncertainty and risk are reduced. Self-sensing/self-repairing composites eliminate the risks by repairing automatically without manual intervention, by giving assurance of damage detection, repair accomplishment and by protecting against severe damage such as ballistics, em pulses. Since much damage needs instant repair, self repairing is required; since there is usually no monitoring and no visible traces , a self sensing system is desired and since em pulses and ballistic attacks are so devastating, shielding is required. This innovation is a multifunctional smart material that has three functions using one form and is smart because it can repair without human intervention and can sense what has happened and act for self preservation.