Novel trends in self-healable polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

Polymer composites for structural applications are prone to damage emanating from cracks which are formed within the material, where detection is not easy and repairing almost not feasible. Material cracking results in mechanical deterioration of polymer composites for microelectronic components, which can result in electrical failure. Microcracking occurring as a result of thermally and mechanically induced fatigue is challenging for effective polymer performance. Self-healing composites are materials exhibiting capability of automatically recovering when damaged. They derive their inspiration through biological systems similar to the human skin, which exhibit a natural tendency to undergo healing by themselves. Stretchability is a factor enabling electronic devices to properly align to irregular 3-D structures, such as soft and movable parts. Stretchable electronics offers materials with the ability to conform to soft and nonplanar composites while enabling movement of biological tissues. Therefore, this article elucidates very recently emerging advancements on self-healing composites, stretchable composites, and sensors. Future market disposition and application of self-healing composites are also presented.