Multifunctional composites for autonomous damage detection, indication, and repair

Novel class IV building materials are needed to efficiently protect military structures from electromagnetic interference (EMI), blast, and emerging adaptive threats. Fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites could be modified for this purpose by incorporating additives that can autonomously detect, indicate, and repair damage. Infoscitex Corporation (IST) proposes to develop a multifunctional additive that can provide robust EMI protection, while allowing remote detection and self-repair of the composite. IST''s approach will provide better mechanical performance than competing self-healing microcapsules, uses materials that are less costly and hazardous, and is applicable to a wide variety of composite systems.