Researchers say they have developed a new material that could pave the way for self-repairing smartphones, robots and other electronic devices. Scientists from the American Chemical Society claim that the material, which can stretch up to 50 times its usual size, is able to heal itself “like nothing has happened” even when cut in two.
The material is flexible, transparent and shares similar properties to human skin. When exposed to electrical signals, a current is generated that creates a chemical bonding reaction between molecules.
Some smartphone manufacturers have already dabbled in “self-healing” technology, including LG, whose 2013 LG G Flex was built with a hydrogen-infused rear cover that allowed it to repair itself from minor scratches.
The team are now working on making the material more resilient against harsh environmental conditions like high humidity, which can interfere with the chemical reaction involved in the self-healing process.
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