Polymer Microvascular Network Composites

Microvascular networks show promise for applications such as self-healing, self-cooling, and structural damage sensing. Fluid-filled micro-scale channels have been investigated extensively in the field of microfluidics, but three-dimensional networks in polymeric structural materials have been achieved only recently. The purpose of microvascular network integration is to provide a vehicle for the distribution and replenishment of active fluids throughout a matrix material enabling multifunctional operation. This perspective seeks to examine the advances in fabrication techniques, characterization, and new theoretical and computational tools for guiding design that are leading to systems with greater functionality and complexity.