Self-healing polymer design from dynamic B–O bonds to their emerging applications

Abstract

Robust healable and reprocessable polymers have attracted increasing attention as viable alternatives to thermosets for increasing the service life of materials and reducing plastic-related waste. Recently, reversible covalent adaptable bonds have been extensively exploited in polymer chemistry for the construction of a myriad of recyclable materials. In this review, we summarize the latest developments related to healable polymers with dynamic B–O bonds, particularly in the form of boronic ester bonds, and their applications in various areas. Due to the robust bond strength, rapid exchange rate, and multiple stimulus-responsiveness of boronic ester bonds, they can deliver a facile platform for designing a wide range of functional healable polymers. Besides, both the fundamental characteristics and real engineering applications including drug delivery, bio-adhesives, tissue engineering, smart sensors, and flexible functional devices are discussed.