Self-healing photopolymers in vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing: materials design, photocuring compatibility and engineering applications

Purpose This paper aims to explore the recent advancements in the integration of self-healing chemistries with vat photopolymerization (VPP) additive manufacturing (AM), with emphasis on the materials design, photocuring compatibility and performance to identify the key challenges and opportunities in the development of self-healing additively manufactured components. Design/methodology/approach A systematic assessment of literature published over the past decade was carried out to review the development in self-healing polymer chemistry, VPP processes, curing mechanisms and their mutual compatibility to synthesize the existing body of knowledge and identify gaps in research. Findings From the review, it is seen that considerable advancements have been achieved in dynamic covalent networks, supramolecular interactions and healing systems involving microcapsules and compatible with photopolymerization techniques; however, limitations in curing kinetics, mechanical properties and healing efficiency in VPP techniques exist. Originality/value This review combines scattered literature findings about self-healing photopolymers under VPP, critically discussing their compatibility, materials and applications in photocuring, while highlighting the gaps in the research to move forward in developing reliable, sustainable and damage-tolerant AM materials.