Prospective of functionalized graphene as shape memory and self-healing polymer: A review

Abstract

Polymer matrix composites despite having potential as high-performance smart materials face challenges in various sectors including infrastructure, biomedical and automotive due to their lower strength and stiffness. The incorporation of graphene into the polymer matrix has shown significant improvement in mechanical, thermal and other material properties. Furthermore, due to certain shortcomings of graphene such as agglomeration and poor transfer of properties, functionalization of graphene has revolutionised the research field. It also exhibits futuristic applications as filler in stimuli-responsive smart materials. The prospective of functionalized graphene's potentiality as shape memory and self-healing polymers and their realistic applications in various areas have been discussed.