A new material that can fill in its own surface cracks.
Researchers have developed a new material that can fill in its own surface cracks.
Self-healer: Modeled on human skin, a new material that heals itself multiple times is made of two layers. The polymer coating on top contains tiny catalyst pieces scattered throughout. The substrate contains a network of microchannels carrying a liquid healing agent. When the coating cracks, the cracks spread downward and reach the underlying channels, which ooze out healing agent. The agent mixes with the catalyst and forms a polymer, filling in the cracks.
Credit: J. Hanlon, Univ. of Illinois Beckman Institute
 |
Technology Review: Plastic That Heals Itself
Technorati Tags:
