Recent Advances in Polymer Nanocomposites: Unveiling the Frontier of Shape Memory and Self-Healing Properties—A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Shape memory and self-healing polymer nanocomposites have attracted considerable attention due to their modifiable properties and promising applications. The incorporation of nanomaterials (polypyrrole, carboxyl methyl cellulose, carbon nanotubes, titania nanotubes, graphene, graphene oxide, mesoporous silica) into these polymers has significantly enhanced their performance, opening up new avenues for diverse applications. The self-healing capability in polymer nanocomposites depends on several factors, including heat, quadruple hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking, Diels–Alder reactions, and metal–ligand coordination, which collectively govern the interactions within the composite materials. Among possible interactions, only quadruple hydrogen bonding between composite constituents has been shown to be effective in facilitating self-healing at approximately room temperature. Conversely, thermo-responsive self-healing and shape memory polymer nanocomposites require elevated temperatures to initiate the healing and recovery processes. Thermo-responsive (TRSMPs), light-actuated, magnetically actuated, and Electrically actuated Shape Memory Polymer Nanocomposite are discussed. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the different types of interactions involved in SMP and SHP nanocomposites and examines their behavior at both room temperature and elevated temperature conditions, along with their biomedical applications. Among many applications of SMPs, special attention has been given to biomedical (drug delivery, orthodontics, tissue engineering, orthopedics, endovascular surgery), aerospace (hinges, space deployable structures, morphing aircrafts), textile (breathable fabrics, reinforced fabrics, self-healing electromagnetic interference shielding fabrics), sensor, electrical (triboelectric nanogenerators, information energy storage devices), electronic, paint and self-healing coating, and construction material (polymer cement composites) applications.

Mechanical and physical properties of epoxy/SiC composites simulated

“…These investigations have documented marginal increases in density, which is in line with the minimal changes found in the present study. Sun et al (2023) [18] and Jamil et al (2024) [19] Studies have illustrated that the mechanical properties can be significantly enhanced of polymer composites by adding of nanoparticle. The stiffness and mechanical strength are enhanced related to the nanoparticle content in polymer matrix.…”

Tunable Dual Self-Healing Composite Coatings with Self-Assembled Structures Regulated by Janus Nanoparticles

“…Self-healing polymer coatings are distinguished by two principal repair mechanisms: physical and chemical. The former is an intrinsic self-healing mechanism that employs the use of polymer materials with “self-repairing” or “shape-memory” properties, which serve to automatically restore the original topology of the damaged coating . The latter type of self-repair, exogenous self-repair, is achieved through specific catalytic chemical reactions that restore the original protective properties .…”

“…The former is an intrinsic self-healing mechanism that employs the use of polymer materials with "self-repairing" or "shape-memory" properties, which serve to automatically restore the original topology of the damaged coating. 7 The latter type of self-repair, exogenous self-repair, is achieved through specific catalytic chemical reactions that restore the original protective properties. 8 The intrinsic self-healing process is facilitated by reversible covalent bonds, noncovalent bonds, and molecular diffusion.…”