Dynamic Interfaces in Self-Healable Polymers

Abstract

It is well-established that interfaces play critical roles in biological and synthetic processes. Aside from significant practical applications, the most accessible and measurable quantity is interfacial tension, which represents a measure of the energy required to create or rejoin two surfaces. Owing to the fact that interfacial processes are critical in polymeric materials, this review outlines recent advances in dynamic interfacial processes involving physics and chemistry targeting self-healing. Entropic interfacial energies stored during damage participate in the recovery, and self-healing depends upon copolymer composition and monomer sequence, monomer molar ratios, molecular weight, and polymer dispersity. These properties ultimately impact chain flexibility, shape-memory recovery, and interfacial interactions. Self-healing is a localized process with global implications on mechanical and other properties. Selected examples driven by interfacial flow and shape memory effects are discussed in the context of covalent and supramolecular rebonding targeting self-healable materials development.

Transparent, Self-Healing, and Recyclable Biomass-Based Covalent Adaptable Networks Formed via Magnolol and Dynamic Boronate Ester

“…Initially, these bonds rupture upon encountering damage (e.g., cracks or microcracks) but then spontaneously reform during the healing process or are triggered by external stimuli such as heat, light, or chemicals . During the initial repair cycles, the polymer’s original structure may be disrupted. − As dynamic bonds break and reform, they may not be perfectly rearranged or distributed as in their pristine state, potentially resulting in a decrease in the material’s overall stress resistance. The newly formed bonds may be fewer or weaker compared with their original condition, leading to a reduced effective load-bearing capacity.…”

Dynamics of Dipolar and Ionic Interactions in Self-Healable Poly(ionic liquid) Copolymers

“…While self-healing kinetics, not efficiency, are influenced by the formation of cation–anion pair channels, the main contributing factors to self-healing are monomer molar ratios. Although several studies identified applications or PILs ranging from membrane , or battery , technologies to 3D printed devices, , understanding the interplay of vdW and ionic interactions may lead to new energy harvesting and storage devices, development of devices capable of communications between synthetic and biological interfaces, , or autonomously stimuli-responsive materials.…”

Satisfactory Tensile Strength and Strain of Recyclable Polyurethane with a Trimaleimide Structure for Thermal Self-Healing and Anticorrosive Coatings

“…In contrast, the intrinsic self-healing materials can achieve the self-healing process with an infinite lifetime using the high efficiencies of reversible chemical reactions. − For instance, the generated cracks can be efficiently self-healed via mediating the temperature of the reversible Diels–Alder (D–A) reactions between dienes of furan and monoenes of bismaleimide (BMI) in D–A-type intrinsic self-healing materials (DISMs). − In addition, the absence of a heterogeneous catalyst and healing agent also significantly improves the stable abilities and service lives of DISMs . Although the combination of furan and BMI has proven to be highly successful in DISMs, there are still some trade-offs among the self-healing efficiency, tensile strength, and strain.…”