Self-Healing Natural\nRubber Based on the Double Cross-Linked\nNetworks for Fabrication of the Flexible Electronic Sensor

The\ndevelopment of tough, dependable, and durable flexible\nelectronic\nsensors has always posed a forward-thinking challenge due to the traditional\nsensors’ functional degradation caused by intricate deformation\nor accidental damage. In this work, we designed a type of dual cross-linked\nself-healing natural rubber (NRFB) by utilizing the monomer with double\nvinyl groups (HEF) and employing the Diels–Alder reaction between\nfuran rings and maleimide. The incorporation of dual cross-links not\nonly imparts NRFB with robust and resilient mechanical properties\nbut also confers upon them excellent self-healing capabilities. The\ntensile strength, breaking elongation, and self-healing efficiency\nof NRFB can reach up to 7.39 MPa, 664%, and 91%, respectively. The\nself-healing strain sensor was then assembled by depositing a nanostructured\nconductive layer (silver film) onto an elastomeric substrate with\nself-healing properties. Irrespective of pre- and postself-healing,\nthe self-healed strain sensors exhibit exceptional precision in capturing\na wide range of human activities, encompassing both substantial limb\nmovements and subtle physiological responses. This efficacious strategy\nmay serve as an inspiration for the development of next-generation\nflexible sensors, wearable technology, and tactile-sensing skin.