University of Illinois

Aaron C Jackson

Jeffrey S Moore

Scott R White

Nancy R Sottos

Mary M Caruso

Susan A Odom

Aaron D Finke

Khalil Amine

Paul Vannest Braun

Benjamin J Blaiszik

Marta B Baginska

Joshua A Ritchey

A self-indicating material system may include a solid polymer matrix having a first color, a first plurality of capsules in the matrix, and a plurality of particles in the matrix. The first plurality of capsules includes a first reactant, and the plurality of particles includes a second reactant, which forms a product when in contact with the first reactant. When a crack forms in the polymer matrix, at least a portion of the first plurality of capsules is ruptured, the first and second reactants form the product in the matrix, and the portion of the polymer matrix containing the product has a second color different from the first color. A self-indicating material system may include a solid polymer matrix, a plurality of capsules in the matrix, and an activator in the matrix, where the polymer matrix includes a first polymer and has a first color, the plurality of capsules includes a polymerizer, and the activator is an activator for the polymerizer. When a crack forms in the polymer matrix, at least a portion of the plurality of capsules is ruptured, the polymerizer and the activator form a second polymer in the crack, and the second polymer has a second color different from the first color.

System for visual indication of mechanical damage

An autonomic conductivity restoration system includes a solid conductor and a plurality of particles. The particles include a conductive fluid, a plurality of conductive microparticles, and/or a conductive material forming agent. The solid conductor has a first end, a second end, and a first conductivity between the first and second ends. When a crack forms between the first and second ends of the conductor, the contents of at least a portion of the particles are released into the crack. The cracked conductor and the released contents of the particles form a restored conductor having a second conductivity, which may be at least 90% of the first conductivity.

Materials and methods for autonomous restoration of electrical conductivity

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Urbana, IL, United States of America

Aaron C Jackson