Self-powered composite material detects its own cracks

A new multifunctional composite made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) and piezoelectric materials can use vibrations to self-detect tiny cracks. This material could be used in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries to monitor structural health without the need for an external power source. The technology was shared in a paper published in the International Journal of Smart and Nano Materials on January 9, 2026.