Water‐Insensitive Self‐Healing Materials: From Network Structure Design to Advanced Soft Electronics

Abstract

AbstractPolymeric materials capable of spontaneously healing physical damages and restoring various functions have been attracting growing interest. Among these, the category of water‐insensitive self‐healing materials emerges as a promising research focus due to their reliable self‐healing and stable mechanical properties in high‐humidity environments and even underwater. In this review, an update on the significant advancements in the design of water‐insensitive self‐healing polymers is presented, which are based on various unique chains. Their advantages and limitations are discussed. Additionally, a series of typical dynamic interactions that are used to enable autonomous self‐healing in underwater environments is highlighted. Moving beyond these fundamental designs, the diverse opportunities to leverage recent synthetic advancements in water‐insensitive self‐healing materials for the progression of soft electronic applications are systematically discussed. Ultimately, the significant challenges and remaining opportunities to present a comprehensive view of the future development of water‐insensitive self‐healing materials are highlighted. This review aims to stimulate further innovation in this burgeoning and emerging field of intrinsic healable materials, interfacing with dynamic chemistry and soft electronics.