Self-repairable material developed by scientists at the University of California
A group of scientists from the University of California at Riverside has created a new material that can repair beyond a few simple scratches or cuts, according to the portal Business Insider. The material can conduct electricity and could be used in smartphones from the year 2020.
The researchers created the material from an ionic salt and some elastic polymers capable of stretching to reach 50 times its original size, while the main process that facilitates their regeneration is driven by an intermolecular force known as Ion-Dipolo interaction.
So far already performed several tests with this new material, scientists determined that you cuts and scratches were repaired with ease. In less than 24 hours since it has scratched the material, the molecules attract each other and turned to join, eliminating the signs of damage.
If this material were to be used someday in smartphones, then already not should worry take your mobile to the repair shop, but just let it rest for a few hours until the molecules is self regenerated. According to the researchers, being of electricity-conducting material, can be used without problems both smartphones and batteries.
It is not a new idea
Self-repairable material developed by scientists at the University of California (left – cut |) Right – repaired)
Autorreparables materials for smartphones were already tested in the past in some models. For example, the LG G Flex also had a material capable of repairing itself in case of small scratches, but this only is limited to its rear panel.
Currently, manufacturers of smartphones equipped with their devices with crystals Corning Gorilla Glass or Sapphire coatings so that their screens are more durable. Motorola leads as from the year 2015 equipping their phones with screens multilayer which are really resistant to shocks or falls, but the use of an autorreparables screen surely would give even more peace of mind to consumers.
Scientists say that new material could be used in smartphones or tablets around the year 2020, since it requires more research and improvements, but smartphones makers have to start thinking now if this type of autorreparables screens would be a feasible solution in terms of costs of production.
Image: Business Insider
