Self-healing in plants as a model for self-repairing elastomer materials

Self-repair processes in plants, particularly in Hevea brasiliensis trees, are described. Possibilities for biomimetic application to synthetic polymers are discussed. The development is reported of self-healing elastomers having the capability to repair micro-cracks automatically without any intervention from outside. Elastomers considered are EPDM, SEBS/polyisobutylene blends and NBR.