Self-Healing Materials: Innovations and Applications
Ngugi Mwaura J.
School of Natural and Applied Sciences Kampala International University Uganda
ABSTRACT
The advent of self-healing materials (SHMs) has presented a revolutionary advancement, with the capacity to independently mend harm, thus prolonging the lifetime and improving the dependability of diverse items and systems. This review examines current progress in self-healing materials (SHMs), specifically highlighting innovative methods including self-healing elastomers, gels, and thermosets, along with the incorporation of healing additives and stimuli-responsive processes. Advancements in capillary-driven recovery and biomimetic design, which draw inspiration from natural healing processes, are examined. A wide range of applications in coatings, electronics, and structural materials are emphasised, showcasing the revolutionary capacity of SHMs in industrial and technical sectors.
Keywords: Self-healing materials, elastomers, thermosets, biomimicry, capillary-driven recovery, stimuli-responsive materials.