Applications and Mechanistic Insights Into Intrinsically Self-Healing Polymers With Multifunctional 2D Materials.

Abstract

Self-healing (SH) polymeric composites hold the promise of revolutionizing material performance and durability, but the challenge lies in achieving a delicate balance between healing efficiency and mechanical strength. Healing processes typically require dynamic, reversible bonds, which can weaken overall material strength, whereas robust materials rely on strong covalent bonds that resist healing. 2D materials offer a solution by acting as nanofillers that not only improve mechanical properties but also introduce multifunctional benefits like electrical and thermal conductivity, responsiveness to stimuli, and enhanced barrier properties. Depending on their surface chemistry, these materials can either actively participate in the healing process or passively reinforce the polymer matrix. This review examines recent advancements in SH polymer composites enhanced with 2D fillers, exploring how factors like filler type, surface interactions, and loading levels impact both healing efficiency and mechanical strength. It compares the contributions of various 2D materials, identifying similarities and critical differences in their roles within polymer matrices. The article also highlights the need for standardized testing and advanced characterization techniques to better understand interfacial properties and healing mechanisms. By addressing current knowledge gaps and proposing future research directions, this review provides a comprehensive resource for advancing SH polymer systems, particularly in the integration of 2D materials for applications ranging from aerospace to electronics.