Self-healing Polyimides

Abstract

Covalent reversible chemistries give rise to polymers with reasonable mechanical properties yet require external stimuli to heal. Oppositely, supramolecular systems can heal autonomously, but their properties are still far away from most of those set by application requirements. Both downsides need to be addressed before intrinsic healing polymers can emerge out of academic literature and be found in daily life products. The aims of the research described in this thesis are: i) to develop intrinsic self-healing polymers with mechanical properties that significantly exceed those currently reported in the academic literature but can nevertheless repair cracks at room temperature; ii) to contribute to a better understanding of the importance of the polymer chain architecture on the physical processes during the repair of mechanical damage...