Self-Healing Polymer Nanocomposites: A Comprehensive Review of Design Strategies, Mechanisms, and Emerging Applications

Year : 2025 | Volume : 13 | Special Issue 04 | Page : 281 293
    By

    Ankush Kumar Jain,

  • Akash Panwar,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Poornima University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Poornima University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

Self-healing polymer nanocomposites (SHPNs) are a new class of materials that can autonomously repair themselves to prolong their lifetime and improve their application performance. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of the design strategies, healing mechanisms, and emerging applications of SHPNs. Incorporating nanofillers (nanoparticles, nanofibers, and/or nanotubes) into polymer matrices leads to requisite functionalization that significantly enhances mechanical properties and is essential in self-healable products including improved cross-linking, high dispersion, and higher responsiveness to stimulus. The review classifies different self-healing strategies in two approaches: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic approaches use reversible interactions within the polymer matrix (hydrogen bonding or dynamic covalent bonds) to gain healing ability, while extrinsic methods have healing agents encapsulated within the polymer to be released when damage occurs. Specific design approaches to improve self-healing efficacy are as follows: optimizing the filler-matrix interface, well-dispersed nanoparticles, and well-designed healing trigger (thermal, light, electrical, or chemical stimuli). The addition of nanomaterials not only enables the healing process but also provides multifunctionality with improved thermal, electrical and mechanical properties. The potential of SHPNs in emerging applications is diverse, including aerospace, automotive, electronics, and biomedical fields, where reliability and durability are key metrics to success. In the review, the professors highlighted the recent progress made in SHPNs. They noted that SHPNs have the potential to revolutionise industries by providing sustainable material degradation and damage solutions. Future challenges include the optimisation of healing efficiency, manufacturing upscaling and cost–effectiveness are needed to advance the commercial application of these smart materials.

Keywords: Self-healing, polymer, nanocomposites, filler-matrix, well-dispersed nanoparticles

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer and Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Ankush Kumar Jain, Akash Panwar. Self-Healing Polymer Nanocomposites: A Comprehensive Review of Design Strategies, Mechanisms, and Emerging Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):281-293.
How to cite this URL:
Ankush Kumar Jain, Akash Panwar. Self-Healing Polymer Nanocomposites: A Comprehensive Review of Design Strategies, Mechanisms, and Emerging Applications. Journal of Polymer and Composites. 2025; 13(04):281-293. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2025/view=214239


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Special Issue Subscription Review Article
Volume 13
Special Issue 04
Received 01/01/2025
Accepted 17/02/2025
Published 05/06/2025
Publication Time 155 Days
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