Self Healing in Aluminium Alloys

Self healing is a key property of biological materials, examples being the autonomous repair of fractured bones or torn skin tissue, as is discussed in other chapters of this book. More than a century ago, principles were developed defining the reconstitution of fractured bone in vivo which stated that, in essence, material dissolved from where it was not required was redeposited to where it was required as a response to mechanical stimuli and damage. As far as metals and other inanimate materials are concerned, it is well known that damage to oxide films, which normally protect the surfaces of metals such as aluminium (Al) and titanium (Ti) from corrosion, can be repaired by reoxidation in air, which can be seen as a form of self-repair. Now attention is being directed to processes that may possibly heal defects, such as cracks, which can develop in the interior of materials during manufacture, or when they are in service. Such self healing processes may then allow failures to be averted and the useful lives of components and structures to be extended.