Self-healing plastics is a reality

Researchers have managed to find a way to develop plastic materials that can regenerate, according to Australia’s IT News. This new material will hold a fiber optic “nervous system” of sorts, where scientists are able to employ to detect and address cracks over a period time. This differs from the stretchable, electronic fabrics that Imec is currently working on. Under lab testing, the material has been shown to be capable of restoring up to 96% of an object’s original strength. The practical use of such a material is astounding – imagine cell phone bodies that can heal themselves of cracks when dropped, or even more durable consumer electronics. Chances are the military will have first dibs on all the goodies in their equipment though.

Edwin Kee
Categories: Gadgets, Top Stories
Tags: plastic