**1. Introduction**

In the ever-advancing world of electronics, the demand for materials that combine exceptional mechanical properties with electrical conductivity is ever-increasing. Traditional epoxy materials are renowned for their excellent mechanical strength, chemical resistance, and adhesive properties, making them widely utilized in various applications [1–4]. However, their inherent insulating nature limits their usefulness in applications where electrical conductivity is required. The introduction of conductive

materials, such as metallic particles, metallic nanowires, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and graphene-based materials, has enabled the incorporation of electrical conductivity into epoxy composites (ECs). The conductive materials need to exhibit excellent conductivity while also demonstrating strong compatibility with the host polymer. Yet, these materials remain vulnerable to damage caused by repeated deformations, which can give rise to the formation of microcracks and fractures. Such structural impairments disrupt electrical pathways, yielding functional deficiencies that ultimately compromise performance and lifespan in electronic applications [5–8]. A captivating development aimed at addressing this demand is the fusion of selfhealing properties with electrical conductivity in epoxy materials. Self-healing ECs endowed with electrical conductivity not only ensure the longevity and dependability of electronic components but also enable the development of advanced electronic systems that boast enhanced resilience and durability. This self-repairing capability is achieved through the incorporation of dynamic chemical bonds within the polymer matrix, including noncovalent bonds (hydrogen bonds [9, 10], metal-ligand coordination [11, 12], etc.) and reversible covalent bonds (hindered urea bonds [13, 14], disulfide bonds [15, 16], Schiff base [17, 18], etc.). **Figure 1** visually depicts the utilization of electrically functional epoxy composites in self-healing electronic components. The impetus for exploring the fusion of self-healing attributes and electrical conductivity in epoxy materials arises from the surging demand for robust materials possessing both mechanical vigor and electrical prowess. The amalgamation of these attributes opens avenues to augment the dependability and lifespan of electronic devices, while concurrently bolstering their resilience against mechanical and electrical adversities.

Within this chapter, we embark on a comprehensive exploration to present a panoramic overview of the substantial progress achieved in the application of epoxy composites (ECs) endowed with both self-healing capabilities and electrical functionality, specifically tailored for versatile and flexible applications. Our primary objective is to delve into their diverse implementation across various domains. These domains encompass adhesives, flexible coatings designed for anticorrosion purposes, sensors,

#### **Figure 1.**

*Explore the electronic applications where epoxy composites with self-healing and electrical conductivity functionalities are utilized.*

*Electrically Conductive Self-Healing Epoxy Composites for Flexible Applications: A Review DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.1003037*

electronic components such as EMI shielding, soft actuators, and energy devices. We place distinct emphasis on meticulously unraveling the foundational differences between the mechanisms and strategies governing the healing of mechanical fractures and electrical breakdowns within ECs.

Furthermore, we endeavor to articulate the core principles, self-healing assessment, and design strategies of conductive networks that underpin self-healing EC-based devices. This highlighting showcases their inherent capacity not only to restore mechanical integrity but also to reinstate functionality and performance, even in the presence of simultaneous mechanical and electrical damage. While acknowledging the frontier that lies ahead, we also shed light on the challenges that await and the promising opportunities for future research. Through these efforts, this chapter aims to provide a comprehensive, up-to-date, and thorough understanding of the ever-evolving realm of conductive self-healing ECs within the landscape of flexible devices.
