Self-Healing Biopolymer: A Promising Material for Sustainable Engineering Applications
摘要
This chapter introduces the concept of self-healing biomaterials with the prime rationale of autonomous restoration in case any damage occurs, hence prolonging lifetime or efficiency. These materials, inspired by biological systems, use natural and synthetic biopolymers to restore integrity after mechanical wear. This chapter outlines various biopolymers, including cellulose, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, combined with synthetic ones, each possessing either intrinsic or extrinsic self-healing mechanisms. Such functionalization involves treatments with bio-chemicals, the addition of nanomaterials, and biomimetic strategies, given applications related to aerospace, medicine, and manufacturing industries. Advanced nanotechnology integration and responsive bonding mechanisms provide enhanced scalability, durability, and environmental compatibility—a pathway toward broader applications in many industries.