For what components are truly self-healing materials desired, beyond minor scratch repair?

Structural components in infrastructure, vehicles, and electronics.

Material science holds the key to overcoming several technological ceilings, and one frequently cited need is the development of materials capable of self-healing. This desired capability extends far beyond fixing superficial damage like minor scratches; the innovation must be robust enough to apply to critical parts of objects. Specifically, engineers look for materials that can automatically repair significant damage sustained by structural components found in large-scale infrastructure projects, in various types of vehicles, and within complex electronic devices. Successfully implementing such self-healing structures would yield substantial benefits by extending the operational lifespan of these assets and significantly reducing material waste.