Self‐healing and shape memory functions in elastomers: Recent advances and future prospectives

Abstract Shape memory‐assisted self‐healing behavior can be identified by their ability to deform and recover shape under external stimuli and applied force complemented by spontaneous repairing of damages, extending the materials' performance and service life. This review article aims to provide new ideas to develop self‐healing and shape memory functions in elastomeric materials using different dynamic reversible crosslinking methods such as dynamic non‐covalent and covalent interactions. The thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives of self‐healing and shape memory behavior in elastomers are highlighted. The recent development of shape memory‐assisted self‐healing elastomeric materials with enlightening the quantification approach of self‐healing and shape memory effect is provided. Finally, future prospectives of self‐healing and shape memory elastomers are critically discussed to stimulate the potential research in this area. Highlights The self‐healing and shape memory effect in elastomers are explored. The possible dynamic interactions in elastomers are presented. Thermodynamics and kinetics of self‐healing and shape memory in elastomers are highlighted.