From Microcracks to Multimillion‑Dollar Fractures: The Case for Self‑Healing Polymers in Modern Engineering Applications
Self-Healing Polymers in Modern Engineering Applications
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58445/rars.3645Keywords:
self-healing polymers, nanoparticles, hybrid, automotives, aircraft, concreteAbstract
The integration of self‑healing polymers into systems capable of autonomously repairing damage, ranges from concrete infrastructure to advanced composites used in turbine blades, aircraft wings, and other high‑performance materials such as those designed for space exploration. This application has emerged as a promising eco-friendly strategy to enhance durability, reduce maintenance, and extend longevity. These polymers are formulated as hydrogels, encapsulated healing agents, or hybrid systems incorporating nanoparticles, to seal cracks and restore mechanical integrity when activated by environmental stress such as moisture or temperature. Thus, a theoretical exploration of ‘self-healing’ materials evolved into a practical engineering toolkit that can address damage across diverse structural contexts. Emerging evidence implicates polymer chemistry, network dynamics, and environmental triggers as primary determinants of autonomous healing, supported by a growing body of studies on domestic, industrial, and aerospace materials systems. While the fundamental mechanisms governing crack sealing and moisture‑triggered swelling in many polymer systems are well established, their durability, scalability, and reliability across varied operational environments remains insufficiently understood. To address this critical knowledge gap, this article synthesizes current insights into self‑healing polymers and related hybrid systems, examines their applications from residential and community infrastructure to sophisticated industrial and aerospace environments, and highlights cost–benefit considerations that will shape their potential for widespread adoption.
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