Magnetically targeted microcapsules to enhance self-healing behaviour of high-performance polymers designed to withstand moondust environment

Lunar regolith dust poses a critical challenge for sustained surface operations, as its highly abrasive, sharp-edged, and electrostatically charged particles readily adhere to surfaces, degrading optical, thermal, and mechanical systems and posing health hazards to astronauts. To address this issue, the SELENE project, led by CIRA with contributions from Sapienza Università di Roma under ASI financial support, aims to develop lightweight, high-performance fluorinated co-polyimide composites engineered for passive dust mitigation and durability. The material integrates dual self-healing mechanisms: (i) an extrinsic system based on microcapsules containing UV-curable healing agents released upon mechanical damage, and (ii) an intrinsic supramolecular component capable of reversible non-covalent bonding to autonomously repair microcracks. An innovative feature of SELENE project is the magnetic manipulation of microcapsules containing Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles, enabling targeted positioning before thermal imidization to enhance crack interception and surface damage protection. This multifunctional approach aims to significantly enhance longevity, survivability, wear resistance and reliability of lightweight, high-performance materials for building lunar infrastructures and allows human long-term settlement.