Research summary
Multifunctional materials can modify some of their properties in response to external stimuli like mechanical stress or temperature. For example, they may have self-sensing or self-healing properties or the capacity to adapt to wind, heat or rain. These “smart” materials could hold the key to constructing more sustainable buildings.
Dr. Claudiane Ouellet-Plamondon, Canada Research Chair on Sustainable Multifunctional Construction Materials, is designing, fabricating and implementing multifunctional intelligent materials from managed resources in the circular economy for use in construction. The materials that she and her research team develop will be more mechanically, chemically and environmentally durable—and more sustainable.