SELF-HEALING POLYMERS: ENGINEERING MATERIALS FOR LONGEVITY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Due to the fast growth of polymer based products in the construction, transportation, electronic, and medical sectors, issues of durability, waste, and resource use have grown with concern. In comparison with other polymers, traditional polymers are lightweight and versatile but are susceptible to mechanical damage and degradation in the environment, resulting in the reduction of service life and higher maintenance costs. In order to overcome these issues, the idea of self- healing polymers has come to be seen as a bright opportunity to design materials sustainably. Self-healing polymers are those polymers that have the capacity to independently or with very low external inputs to heal themselves and thus lower functional lifetimes as well as material replenishment. The paper discusses the engineering principles of self-healing mechanisms such as reversible covalent bonding, supramolecular interactions, microencapsulation and vascular networks, each with its own distinct benefits in responsiveness and repeatability. The focus is on the balance of mechanical performance, healing performance, and scalability since it will dictate practicality in application in the real world. Qualities of self-healing polymers that may positively impact the environment are also discussed, specifically how they can reduce carbon footprint, reduce plastic waste, and promote the principles of the circular economy through improved reusability. Their use in both protective coating and structural composite and biomedical devices is evidenced by case studies, with both advances and current limitations. Lastly, the paper addresses future trends, such as the integration of bio-based materials, multi-stimuli-responsive, and more advanced manufacturing, like 3D printing, which may help speed up the process of innovating in the laboratory and implementing it into industry. Self-healing polymers can be considered a game changer in the future of engineering durable, resource-effective, and sustainable materials by integrating material science and sustainability objectives.