Smart Bio-Inspired Clay–Based Nanocomposites

Abstract

Smart, durable, and self-healing clay-based nanocomposites represent a new generation of multifunctional structural materials.

This study focuses on the development and demonstration of advanced nonclay composites aimed at enabling sustainable, smart, and autonomously self-healing structures. The core innovation lies in the integration of three critical functionalities—mechanical reinforcement, intelligent responsiveness, and autonomous repair—within a single material system, offering transformative potential for structural engineering.

Layered nanoclays such as montmorillonite, modified through surface treatments including organophilization with quaternary ammonium salts, are incorporated into polymeric, epoxy, and cementitious matrices. These nanocomposites exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, stiffness, toughness, and long-term durability. Applications extend to high-performance epoxies and engineered concretes such as UHPC and HPC, where improved resilience and longevity are essential.