Fundamentals, Mechanisms, Material Design, and Performance of Self-Healing Basalt Fiber Composites

Self-healing basalt fiber-reinforced composites (BFRCs) represent an emerging class of advanced materials that integrate the intrinsic advantages of basalt fibers—high tensile strength, excellent thermal stability, superior chemical resistance, and environmental sustainability—with autonomous damage-repair functionality. This chapter presents a comprehensive review of the fundamental principles, material characteristics, and design strategies underpinning self-healing BFRC systems. It first examines the properties of basalt fibers and their applications across the construction, aerospace, automotive, and renewable energy sectors, highlighting their mechanical performance and durability. The chapter then explores the significance of incorporating self-healing capabilities to enhance structural longevity and lifecycle performance, particularly in addressing basalt-specific degradation mechanisms such as alkaline attack, fiber-matrix interfacial debonding, and brittle fracture. Self-healing approaches are systematically categorized into intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms. Intrinsic systems rely on reversible chemistries and physical interactions—such as Diels-Alder reactions, supramolecular hydrogen bonding, thermoplastic chain re-entanglement, and shape memory effects—enabling multiple healing cycles upon external stimulation. In contrast, extrinsic systems employ microcapsules or vascular networks containing healing agents that are released upon damage, facilitating autonomous repair and significant recovery of mechanical properties. Key factors influencing healing efficiency, including fiber surface characteristics, healing agent compatibility, and composite architecture, are discussed alongside material design strategies such as surface modification techniques, healing agent selection, and fabrication methods. Performance evaluation metrics for tensile, flexural, and fatigue recovery are reviewed to provide a structured framework for assessing healing effectiveness under varying environmental and loading conditions. Collectively, this chapter establishes the scientific and technological foundation for the development and implementation of durable, self-healing basalt fiber composite systems for next-generation structural applications.