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Self-Healing Polymers with Shape Recovery

Detailed Technology Description: None

Others

*Abstract

Reduces the need for hands-on repairs, saving time and money

These self-healing polymers spontaneously mend wear-related fissures and cracks to increase the lifespan of many different products, including components for airplanes and spacecraft. Traditionally, when an item such as a machined component showed signs of wear-and-tear, a human fixed or replaced it. Today’s designers are working to reduce the need for hands-on repairs. Researchers at the University of Florida have developed self-healing polymers that make it possible to fix components by applying heat to the damaged area. Self-healing polymers are an attractive solution for making repairs at low cost, using only heat. Demand for self-healing polymers with shape memory is expected to increase in the near future as industries become more aware of the technology’s many benefits.

Application

Self-healing polymers for use in a wide variety of products, including components on airplanes and spacecraft

Advantages

Does not require external forces to heal cracks, making it useful in situations where component replacement is difficult or costly
Allows for large-scale polymer production, lowering costs
Can be used as a coating material for everyday applications, such as electronic products or automobile parts, maximizing versatility

Technology

This self-healing polyurethane, which has shape memory properties, does not require the use of external forces (i.e., clamps) to close cracks in surfaces. It has the ability to return from a deformed or temporary shape to its original shape with the introduction of a stimulus, such as heat. If, for example, a machined component were to become damaged, the application of heat would induce the polymer to heal spontaneously. The polymer’s polyurethane network provides a stable structure with advantageous mechanical properties.

Related to 16276

*Principal Investigator: Name: Henry Sodano
Department:

Name: Yunseon Heo
Department:

Country/Region: USA

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