Self-healing puncture protection

From Marspedia

Self-healing puncture protection is a technology to automatically close small punctures hit by meteorites. Since it is only a makeshift closure a final repair is necessary later.

[edit] Windows

Windows of living rooms and greenhouses are vulnerable for meteorite impacts. Laminated safety glass avoids a complete shattering of the window. Special chemicals can be additionally placed between two sheets, starting a foam reaction on drop of pressure.

Another idea of temporary sealing is placing ultra-light balls of foamed polystyrene or similar material near the windows. In case of a meteorite impact the balls are moved by the sudden air stream toward the hole and get stuck in the hole.

[edit] Space suits

Several layers of rubber and tissues are processed to make a space suit puncture proof.

[edit] Open issues

• What is known about the puncture protection of existing space suits? What is the meteorite size limit they can protect against?
• What sort of foam reaction is viable for windows?