Australian scientists invented a miraculous plastic that will make a major transformation in the world of manufacturing, producing and repairing devices of all kinds and shapes. p>
According to Arab Net, scientists in Australia have been able to invent a plastic that is capable of self-repairing by placing it under the light only, according to the British Daily Mail.
The invention is based on placing a special powder that is added to the 3D-printed resin, which makes the plastic able to heal itself when placed under an LED light.
A team of scientists at the University of New South Wales in Australia demonstrated a way to help 3D-printed plastic quickly and inexpensively heal itself in a major commercial breakthrough, the newspaper reported.
The team found that adding a special powder to the liquid resin used in the printing process can help repair materials if they are damaged.
Repairs can be made at room temperature and only need to be done under LED lighting which leads to a chemical reaction and fusion of the broken pieces.
Currently, achieving the same result can mean having to take apart products and put broken components through a series of heating cycles. It also takes about 24 hours to complete, compared to just one hour using the new method.
The paper says that while 3D printing or additive manufacturing generally has a lower environmental impact, they do not fit a strict definition of being environmentally friendly.
Research spokesperson Dr Nathaniel Corrigan says that with so much plastic and printers running for days on end, any delays caused by having to repair fractures have traditionally required extra time, money and waste.
But it can now be repaired easily and quickly, and in many situations damaged components can also be salvaged rather than discarded to start over.
"There is a clear environmental benefit because you don't have to completely recycle a new material every time it breaks down," Corrigan said.
He added: We are increasing the life of these materials, which will reduce plastic waste.
It is believed that this new technology could be used in a range of applications where advanced 3D materials are used in specialized high-tech components, including wearable electronic devices, sensors and even some shoe industries.
