Self-Healing Ceramic-Concrete Composites: Advanced Materials for Long-Lasting and Sustainable Infrastructure Development

Abstract

Modern infrastructure is increasingly expected to be durable, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. Traditional concrete, although widely used, suffers from microcracking and degradation over time due to environmental and mechanical stresses. Recent advances in material science have led to the emergence of self-healing ceramic-concrete composites, which possess the unique ability to autonomously repair cracks, thereby enhancing the service life and reliability of concrete structures. This paper explores the principles, mechanisms, and applications of self-healing ceramic-concrete composites. The integration of ceramics enhances mechanical strength, thermal resistance, and healing efficiency. The paper also reviews ongoing research, evaluates environmental and economic implications, and highlights the potential of these composites in creating a new generation of sustainable infrastructure.

Keywords: Self-healing concrete, ceramic composites, sustainable infrastructure, autonomous repair, smart materials