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April 18, 2026Macromolecules0 citations

Design of Hydrogen-Bonded Self-Healing Polymers with High Mechanical Properties and High Self-Healing Efficiency Based on Molecular Simulations and Machine Learning

JLJianglong Li YZYuhang Zhou JWJianlong Wen

Key Points

The aim is to design hydrogen-bonded self-healing polymers with high mechanical properties and efficiency.
Molecular dynamics simulations were utilized to gather data on key polymer features.
Four main features were analyzed: hydrogen bond strength, density, healing temperature, and time.
Machine learning algorithms, particularly Random Forest, were applied to establish predictive models.
An inverse design approach helped in optimizing feature combinations for desired outcomes.
The Random Forest model achieved the highest prediction accuracy and explanatory power among the algorithms used.
Optimal feature combinations were identified to enhance the target healing efficiency.
The integrated approach provides a framework for designing advanced self-healing polymers.

Abstract

Designing hydrogen-bonded self-healing polymers that exhibit high mechanical strength and efficient self-healing capability remains a major challenge. We employed molecular dynamics simulations to generate raw data for investigating the effects of four key features (hydrogen bond strength, hydrogen bond density, healing temperature, and healing time) on self-healing efficiency. Then, machine learning methods were used to construct predictive modeling and analyze feature importance using different algorithms. The Random Forest model exhibits a superior performance with the highest explanatory power and prediction accuracy. Finally, an inverse design approach was employed to identify optimal feature combinations that satisfy the requirements of the target healing efficiency. This integrated approach enables the rational design of polymers with customized healing and mechanical properties, providing theoretical guidance for the development of advanced self-healing polymers.

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