Self‐healing properties of layer‐by‐layer assembled multilayers

The review is focused on the formation and the self‐healing properties of polymer and hybrid multilayers formed via the layer‐by‐layer approach. In the first part of the review the recent developments in the construction of polymer multilayers are highlighted. In the second part the design and the self‐healing properties of inorganic − polymer hybrid multilayers are described. It is shown that self‐healing multilayers have a broad spectrum of applications including corrosion protection, as elements of antifouling and antimicrobial coatings and bio‐inspired superhydrophobic interfaces. It is demonstrated that dynamic functional interfaces have a complex hierarchical organization of non‐covalently bonded polymers and colloidal particles. Mechanisms of self‐healing behavior of the multilayers and the role of water and external stimuli ( pH , ionic strength and temperature, light) in swelling of multilayers and rearrangement of polymer segments are discussed. Future trends, perspectives and research strategies for the design of ‘smart’ self‐assemblies with self‐healing properties are proposed.