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Review

Polyimine-Based Self-Healing Composites: A Review on Dynamic Covalent Thermosets for Sustainable and High-Performance Applications

School of Mechanical Engineering, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang 212000, China
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Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Polymers 2025, 17(12), 1607; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121607
Submission received: 5 May 2025 / Revised: 3 June 2025 / Accepted: 6 June 2025 / Published: 9 June 2025
(This article belongs to the Collection Progress in Polymer Applications)

Abstract

Polyimine-based composites have emerged as a promising class of dynamic covalent thermosets, combining high mechanical strength, thermal stability, self-healing, recyclability, and reprocessability. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in polyimine synthesis, highlighting dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) strategies such as imine exchange and reversible Schiff base reactions. Structural customization can be achieved by incorporating reinforcing phases such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, and bio-based fibers. Advanced fabrication methods—including solution casting, hot pressing, and interfacial polymerization—enable precise integration of these components while preserving structural integrity and adaptability. Mechanical performance analysis emphasizes the interplay between dynamic bonds, interfacial engineering, and multiscale design strategies. Polyimine composites exhibit outstanding performance characteristics, including a self-healing efficiency exceeding 90%, a tensile strength reaching 96.2 MPa, and remarkable chemical recyclability. Emerging engineering applications encompass sustainable green materials, flexible electronics, energy storage devices, and flame-retardant systems. Key challenges include balancing multifunctionality, enhancing large-scale processability, and developing low-energy recycling strategies. Future efforts should focus on interfacial optimization and network adaptivity to accelerate the industrial translation of polyimine composites, advancing next-generation sustainable materials.
Keywords: polyimine; composite; dynamic covalent thermoset; self-healing materials; recyclable polymers; engineering application polyimine; composite; dynamic covalent thermoset; self-healing materials; recyclable polymers; engineering application

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Wang, X.; Zhang, S.; Chen, Y. Polyimine-Based Self-Healing Composites: A Review on Dynamic Covalent Thermosets for Sustainable and High-Performance Applications. Polymers 2025, 17, 1607. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121607

AMA Style

Wang X, Zhang S, Chen Y. Polyimine-Based Self-Healing Composites: A Review on Dynamic Covalent Thermosets for Sustainable and High-Performance Applications. Polymers. 2025; 17(12):1607. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121607

Chicago/Turabian Style

Wang, Xiaoxue, Si Zhang, and Yun Chen. 2025. "Polyimine-Based Self-Healing Composites: A Review on Dynamic Covalent Thermosets for Sustainable and High-Performance Applications" Polymers 17, no. 12: 1607. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121607

APA Style

Wang, X., Zhang, S., & Chen, Y. (2025). Polyimine-Based Self-Healing Composites: A Review on Dynamic Covalent Thermosets for Sustainable and High-Performance Applications. Polymers, 17(12), 1607. https://doi.org/10.3390/polym17121607

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