Self-Healing Components™

 

 

Self-Healing Components™ are metal or metal alloy components that contain small micro-balloon tubes of healing agents which are released when a crack occurs. The healing agent fills the crack, seals it, and the component functions without interruption. The self-healing feature is used to extend the life of cracked components, repair stress cracks and prevent component failure in an emergency situation.

This technology can be especially useful for repairs that need to be made in the field or during an activity, where repairs would be difficult or impossible to perform.  Cracked components do not need to be removed or taken to a repair facility. This saves time and money.

 

 

 

PRODUCT FEATURES & BENEFITS

Special features

  • Cracks in components heal themselves
  • Repaired components continue to function
  • Repairs can be made while components are in use
  • No need to take the components to a repair depot
  • Crack healing capability extends the life of components
  • Electronic circuits can be repaired and continue working
  • Metal alloys can contain low-melting material, metal particles, ceramics and other healing agents
  • Healing agents are incorporated into metal alloys
  • Healing agents are contained in hollow tubes or hollow micro-balloons
  • Healing agents are released into cracks
  • Cracks are sealed by the healing agents
  • Healing agents can be incorporated into metal alloys, steel, aluminum, and other metal components
  • If friction builds up between two external surfaces and lubricant fails, encapsulated lubricant is released to self-heal the tribological system
  • Closing and healing of cracks can be done by shape memory, alloy particles or fibers in the matrix of alloys, or by incorprating particles which expand on reaction with environment

 

PRODUCT DETAILS

Self-Healing Components™ can be working components in multiple fields that are made from self-healing metal or metal alloy. The metal contains small, hollow tubes, or hollow micro-balloons, in which healing agents are incorporated, that are released when the component experiences a crack. Healing agents are comprised of a low-melting material or a combination of that and metallic particles, ceramics or shape memory alloys. These shape memory alloys apply compressive stresses on the crack to close and seal them. The liquid healing agent flows from the hollow tubes or micro-balloons into the crack and solidifies, sealing the crack. In addition, the material can diffuse into the voids to fill them. The material hardens and solidifies, which repairs the crack, and the component continues to function.

In other cases, particles which expand on contact with air are dispersed in the matrix. Upon cracking, these particles expand and seal the crack. In certain tribological systems, when the layer of lubricant fails, the lubricant encapsulated within hollow tubes can be released to provide lubrication, providing self healing in a lubricated tribological system.

By incorporating macro, micro or Nano-sized hollow tubes or balloons into the metal, the self-healing agents contained within them are released when a crack occurs. This prevents removal of the component for repair or replacement, and eliminates the need for ceasing activity. For example, on an aircraft, a cracked component can create a dangerous situation, maybe even causing an accident. If the component has self-healing capabilities, a disaster can be avoided.

This technology can be used in all types of structures, machines and equipment. Any metal component, from a space shuttle brake to a bicycle wheel, can be made with metal encompassing the self-healing agents. Self-Healing Components™ can prevent accidents from happening, save money on costly repairs, and reduce down time for machines.

Materials needed to produce the Self-Healing Components™:

  • Metal or metal alloys
  • Hollow tubes or balloons of macro, micro or Nano size
  • Healing agents
    • Low-melting substance
    • Metal particles
    • Ceramics
    • Other healing agents
    • Shape memory alloy wires

 

 

 

 

 

The Self-Healing Components™  is covered by United States Utility Patent: 8,518,531

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Self-Healing Components™  is covered by United States Utility Patent: 9,435,014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For additional information, licensing opportunities, and a full prospectus on the Self-Healing Components™   contact:

 

 

BankOnIP

VP of Business Development

Email: info@BankOnIP.com