In extrinsic self-healing systems,a healing agent is pre-embedded in the polymer matrix  

in
microcapsules or vascular networks which, after material damage/cracking, release their content
into the crack plane, reacting and allowing the restoration of material functionalities. Extrinsic self-
healing materials can achieve healing efficiencies over 100% even when the damage is large.

These systems can be further subdivided in several categories.

• Microcapsule healing

microcapsules have a healing agent embedded into the bulk polymer matrix. When
cracks develop in the polymer matrix, the curing agent is released from the
microcapsules to cross-link and repair the cracks. In order for this process to happen
at room temperature, and for the reactants to remain in a monomeric state within the
capsule, a catalyst is also imbedded into the thermoset. The catalyst lowers
the energy barrier of the reaction and allows the monomer to polymerize without the
addition of heat. 

• Hollow tube approach

For the first method, fragile glass capillaries or fibers are imbedded within a composite
material.The resulting porous network is filled with monomer. When damage occurs in the
material from regular use, the tubes also crack and the monomer is released into the cracks.
Other tubes containing a hardening agent also crack and mix with the monomer, causing the
crack to be healed

• Discrete channels

• Vascular approaches

• Interconnected networks

• Carbon nanotube networks

Nowadays an artificial
bone replacement can last up to 10-15
years. Good biocompatible self-healing
polymer composites may extend this
time. In dentistry, it can be used for
making artificial teeth and tooth filling
materials.

Fibre-reinforced polymer composites, metal alloy composites and fibre-reinforced ceramic

composites have been manufactured by adapting self-healing techniques for the past few
decades. Several of these materials find application in aerospace structures and components,
including fuselage, engines and coatings.
Body armor and other protection equipment made from materials that can

heal themselves will be helpful in battles or any other violent engagements. Even the jets

and ships of Airforce and Navy respectively could be made out of these materials.

Currently, innovative self-healing nanosystems are being developed with the help of computer
simulations for repairing damages.

Potential future uses for self-healing plastics include longer lasting cell-phones, cars and laptops,
whilst larger scale structures will also benefit, from aeroplanes to spacecraft. The future
possibilities for these smart materials look to be almost limitless. 

two companies are attempting to bring the newer applications of self-healing materials to the
market. Arkema, a leading chemicals company, announced in 2009 the beginning of industrial
production of self-healing elastomers. [149] As of 2012, Autonomic Materials Inc., had raised over
three million US dollars.