Recent advancements in self-healing polymers, polymer blends, and nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer composites for structural applications are prone to damage emanating from cracks which are formed deep within the material where detection is not easy and repairing almost not feasible. Material cracking results in mechanical deterioration of pre-reinforced polymer composites utilized in microelectronic polymer-based components which can result in electrical failure. Micro-cracking occurring as a result of thermally and mechanically induced fatigue is additionally an established challenge in polymer performance. Self-healing composites are materials exhibiting capability of automatically recovering when damaged. They derive their inspiration through biological systems peculiar to the human skin which exhibit a natural tendency to undergo healing by themselves. Irrespective of their application, the instance cracks are formed within a polymeric composite and the structural integrity of the material is remarkably compromised. Therefore, this article elucidates very recently emerging advancements on self-healing composites. Challenges, prospects, future market disposition, and application of self-healing composites are also presented.