The
development of tough, dependable, and durable flexible
electronic
sensors has always posed a forward-thinking challenge due to the traditional
sensors’ functional degradation caused by intricate deformation
or accidental damage. In this work, we designed a type of dual cross-linked
self-healing natural rubber (NRFB) by utilizing the monomer with double
vinyl groups (HEF) and employing the Diels–Alder reaction between
furan rings and maleimide. The incorporation of dual cross-links not
only imparts NRFB with robust and resilient mechanical properties
but also confers upon them excellent self-healing capabilities. The
tensile strength, breaking elongation, and self-healing efficiency
of NRFB can reach up to 7.39 MPa, 664%, and 91%, respectively. The
self-healing strain sensor was then assembled by depositing a nanostructured
conductive layer (silver film) onto an elastomeric substrate with
self-healing properties. Irrespective of pre- and postself-healing,
the self-healed strain sensors exhibit exceptional precision in capturing
a wide range of human activities, encompassing both substantial limb
movements and subtle physiological responses. This efficacious strategy
may serve as an inspiration for the development of next-generation
flexible sensors, wearable technology, and tactile-sensing skin.