Self-Healing Polymer Put to the Test
- 11 years ago
Scientists in Spain are boasting the creation of a polymer that heals itself all on its own.
Scientists in Spain are boasting the creation of a polymer that heals itself all on its own.
In honor of the film that featured a robot with a similar power, they’ve nicknamed it “Terminator” polymer.
To test it out they fashioned the substance into a tube and then cut the cylinder in half.
The two pieces were placed together, cut edges touching, and left to sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
When the team returned, the tube had rejoined and was able to withstand the stress of being stretched.
They see potential applications in a variety of industries including automotive and housing.
Everyday objects are believed to also be a prime candidate for the self-healing substance.
The special polymer shares much of its composition with materials already in use in those areas.
What separates this reconstructing substance from previous attempts is that Terminator doesn’t require the addition of layers or the introduction of an exterior catalyst.
It’s not quite ready for market, though.
Still a little on the soft, squishy side, the polymer needs to be further developed before it can be used to make rigid parts.
Scientists in Spain are boasting the creation of a polymer that heals itself all on its own.
In honor of the film that featured a robot with a similar power, they’ve nicknamed it “Terminator” polymer.
To test it out they fashioned the substance into a tube and then cut the cylinder in half.
The two pieces were placed together, cut edges touching, and left to sit at room temperature for a couple of hours.
When the team returned, the tube had rejoined and was able to withstand the stress of being stretched.
They see potential applications in a variety of industries including automotive and housing.
Everyday objects are believed to also be a prime candidate for the self-healing substance.
The special polymer shares much of its composition with materials already in use in those areas.
What separates this reconstructing substance from previous attempts is that Terminator doesn’t require the addition of layers or the introduction of an exterior catalyst.
It’s not quite ready for market, though.
Still a little on the soft, squishy side, the polymer needs to be further developed before it can be used to make rigid parts.