Self-healing Building Materials for Enhanced Durability and Sustainability in Construction
Chinaecherem Tochukwu Arum *
Department of Material Science and Explosives, Faculty of Science, Nigerian Defence Academy, PMB 2109, Kaduna, Nigeria.
Simon Bbumba *
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Computing, Ndejje University, P.O. Box-7088, Kampala, Uganda and Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Muni University, P.O. Box 725, Arua, Uganda.
Moses Kigozi
Department of Chemistry, Busitema University, P. O. BOX 236, Tororo, Uganda.
Ibrahim Karume
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
Maximillian Kato
Department of Science, Faculty of Science and Computing, Ndejje University, P.O. Box-7088, Kampala, Uganda.
Collins Letibo Yikii
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
Ivan Kiganda
Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Herein, we reviewed self-healing materials as a tool for building durable and sustainable construction materials in the industrial sector. It's a known fact that a person spends most of his life in rooms built from various building materials; therefore, the optimization of the human environment is an important and complex task that requires interdisciplinary approaches. The construction industry is continually seeking innovative solutions to address the challenges of durability and sustainability in building materials. This study explores the promising realm of self-healing building materials, presenting a pathway toward revolutionizing the construction landscape. Self-healing materials possess the intrinsic ability to repair damage autonomously, mitigating the impact of wear, weathering, and structural stress. This paper examines the underlying principles and mechanisms of self-healing materials, shedding light on their potential applications in enhancing the lifespan of structures and minimizing maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the various types of self-healing technologies, each offering unique advantages and challenges, are addressed.
Keywords: Self-healing materials, durability, sustainability, construction, infrastructure