Self-healing polymer systems properties, synthesis and applications

GARCIA, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands and H. R. FISCHER,TNO Technical 

Key words self-healing, intrinsic healing, extrinsic healing, functionality, 

As such, all material functionalities are the result of a combination of appropriate material architecture and physico-chemical characteristics of its constituent elements. Small-scale damage affecting the chemical structure or architecture will lead to a decrease of the intended properties/functionality which can further lead to the replacement of the damaged area or, in the worst case scenario, to the catastrophic failure of the structure with consequent loss of time, material and money. 

The aim of the self-healing materials concept is to extend the service lifetime of materials, structures and systems made thereof, not by increasing their initial performance but by implementing the concept of autonomous or induced repair. This new trend in materials development is based on a 

Analysing a healing process and existing engineering approaches leads to the realization that self-healing  

---

Self-healing polymer systems properties, synthesis and applications... 

---