Coupling Shear-Thickening and Dynamic Bonds in Self-healing materials: Synthesis, Regulation and Application

Abstract

Self-healing materials represent a class of economical, environmentally friendly, and recyclable materials that can regain their properties after being repaired. However, the conventional performance bottleneck wherein such materials are prone to failure under high-frequency shear forces remains unresolved. In this mini review, we summarize the shear-thickening effect and dynamic bonds (STDB) in self-healing materials from the perspective of molecular structure design. This enables such materials to maintain flexibility under low-frequency conditions while enhancing their impact resistance when subjected to high-frequency stress. This mini review offers an in-depth examination of the molecular design and underlying principles of STDB and elaborates on their applications in soft robotics, flexible sensors and biomedical materials, and further discusses current challenges and future prospects.