Self-healing concrete with thermal and acoustic enhancements: a comprehensive review

Abstract This review critically examines the integration of phase change materials (PCMs) and sound-absorbing aggregates into self-healing concrete (SHC) for enhanced thermal regulation, acoustic performance, and crack-sealing efficiency. Through systematic analysis of 167 peer-reviewed studies selected via PRISMA guidelines, the review identifies promising PCM types with latent heat capacities of 100–250 kJ/kg, capable of reducing internal temperature fluctuations by up to 35%. It also highlights sound-absorbing aggregates that can improve noise reduction coefficients (NRC) by 20–45%, while maintaining acceptable mechanical strength levels. Advanced encapsulation techniques, such as microcapsules and porous carriers, are analyzed for their dual benefits in thermal energy storage and acoustic damping. Additionally, a numerical modeling case study demonstrates that PCM-SHC composites can reduce peak thermal gradients by 28%, enhance crack healing rates by 37%, and increase mid-frequency (500–1500 Hz) sound absorption by 30% compared to standard SHC. The findings establish a foundation for the development of multifunctional SHC systems tailored for climate-resilient, energy-efficient, and acoustically optimized infrastructure applications.