Self-healing polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposite: A review

Abstract

Self-healing polymers have the capability to autonomically heal themselves. Recent breakthroughs in self-healing systems rely on integrating nanoparticles into relevant polymers. This article overviews the self-healing performance of polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposite. Self-healing carbon nanotube nanocomposites have been designed using epoxy, polyurethane, poly(methyl methacrylate), and rubbers. Great versatility of self-healed polymer/carbon nanotube depends on matrix modification, nanotube functionality, processing strategies, and matrix-nanofiller interaction/compatibility. Special consideration is given to self-healing efficiency of nanocomposites in technical fields, such as coatings, sensors, electronics, radiation shielding, drug delivery, and tissue engineering. Moreover, critical issues and challenges associated with self-healing nanocomposites are considered.