Smart materials: self-healing concrete, glass with variable transparency

This article provides a comprehensive overview of two promising classes of smart materials that are revolutionizing the construction industry: self-healing concrete and glass with variable transparency. The main mechanisms of their functioning, including bacterial and capsule self-healing, as well as PDLC, SPD and electrochromic systems technologies, are considered. The key advantages of these materials are analyzed, such as increasing the durability of structures, energy efficiency and adaptability of buildings. The current constraints related to the cost and scaling of technologies, as well as the prospects for their mass adoption in the context of sustainable development and digitalization of construction are highlighted.