Intrinsic Repeated Self-Healing Textiles: Developing Electrospun Fabrics for Enhanced Durability and Stretchability

High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide The development of healable polymers represents a significant advancement in materials science, addressing the need for sustainable solutions that can reduce waste and prolong the lifespan of various products. For the development of healable polymer fabrics, however, there are still unsolved issues because of limited healing cycles and poor mechanical properties. In this work, we present intrinsically healable materials for the creation of stretchable, healable fabrics. Specifically, a blend of polyurethane (TPU) and poly(thiourea triethylene glycol) (PTUEG 3 ) is fabricated into fabrics utilizing the electrospinning method. The TPU/PTUEG 3 fabrics demonstrate room-temperature self-healing capabilities over repeated cycles under external forces driven by dynamic hydrogen bonding interactions. Furthermore, their self-healing ability can be enhanced through heating. The tensile tests and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) indicate that the healing capabilities and mechanical properties can be optimized by adjusting the TPU/PTUEG 3 weight ratios. This research provides a practical approach for preparing intrinsically healable fabrics with excellent durability and flexibility, offering a sustainable solution to extend the functional life of textiles and reduce environmental impact, thereby promoting environmental sustainability.