TAGS: Electrical & Electronics Nanotechnologies
A team of researchers from Carnegie Mellon University, and the University of Tokyo have created a self-healing polymer that is laced with carbon nanotubes capable of conducting current, called the Self-Healing UI. The researchers have developed this material for self-repairing computers, controllers, and even robot arms. The invention can be sliced apart, then stuck back together again, which has major implications for building flexible, durable electronics for our bodies and environments.
Self-healing Modern Electronics
The researchers have created a self-healing polymer, PBS in addition to carbon nanotubes. The nanotubes provide a wiring system to the self-healing PBS, which upgrades the putty to a modern electronic that can carry current and embedded sensors.
While the healing appears instantaneous when recorded, the self-repair process can take several hours. But for a gadget that is worn, or placed inside a building, the process takes place continuously, so it would never reach a catastrophic, T-1000-blowing-to-bits failure.
Popping 3D Shapes in Future
Into the future, Carnegie Mellon assistant professor Lining Yao says the team would like to combine Self-Healing UI with 3D-printed morphing materials to allow objects to be flat-packed, then pop into a 3D shape when heated.
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We can have a product automatically self-fold and self-heal to create seamless assistive wearables on the body,” Yao says. And for buildings, she suggests that we’ll have floors and walls that can detect their cracks and self-heal. “
You can imagine kids can draw, mold, and sculpt on the wall, even control lights and play games through the wall,” Yao says. “
Overnight, the wall will recover and heal back to normal.”
Various Demonstration to Prove the Technology
To prove the technology, the researchers constructed demos. In one, the researchers built a piano keyboard out of the putty for one person to play. Then the researchers cut the keyboard into four, allowing the instrument to be shared, the keys divided between four users.
In another, a robotic arm is filled with pneumatic (pressurized motor) chambers, which allows it to flex from a snake into a “C” like a muscle. Sliced and stuck back together, the arm still works—even if it is accidentally stick part on backwards. Finally, the team developed a sort of high-tech friendship charm. It’s a heart that can be broken into two. It recognizes the break when it’s made. And of course, it can be stuck back together again.
Source: Carnegie Mellon University