18 Nov 2013
ERJ staff report (BC)
London – Scientists at the CIDETEC Centre for Electrochemical Technologies have reported the first self-healing thermoset elastomer that requires no intervention (in terms of energy input or specific chemical conditions) to induce its repair, according to Polly Wilson of Chemistry World.
Lead researcher Ibon Odriozola stresses that the use of commercially available materials is important for industrial applications. He said that the polymer acts as a velcro-like sealant or adhesive, displaying 97 percent healing efficiency in two hours, and does not break when stretched manually.
Future work by the group will concentrate on stronger polymeric materials, as the current poly(urea-urethane) composite is relatively soft.
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Full story from Chemistry World
Peer-reviewed paper in Materials Horizons
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