Researchers at Bournemouth University have announced a breakthrough in creating a self-repairing plastic designed to reduce plastic waste. The team has combined nanosheets of MXene, a two-dimensional material known for strengthening plastics, with special chemicals to develop a healing agent that acts like glue.
This healing agent remains dormant until the plastic gets damaged. When that happens, moisture in the air activates it, allowing the broken pieces to bond back together.
Dr. Amor Abdelkader, an associate professor in Advanced Materials and the study’s leader, explained the concept by comparing it to how the human body heals: “When you cut your finger, your blood covers the wound until the skin repairs itself. We are trying to do the same thing with our plastics.”
The new technology has a wide range of possible uses. It can extend the life of many everyday items, from reusable drink bottles to electronic devices.
Chief scientist Dr. Chirag Ratwani noted that the new material is not only stronger but can also fix itself if it breaks. The repair process takes just a few minutes and can restore the plastic to 96% of its original strength.
Looking ahead, Dr. Abdelkader mentioned that they are also exploring the possibility of creating self-repairing electronic devices. They have already tested sensors that can detect human motion and repair themselves after being damaged. Such advancements could lead to electronics that are easier to maintain and last longer.
The research, titled “Tuning Surface Terminations and Hydration Interactions in MXene Nanosheet-Based Hydrogel Composites for Self-Healable Strain Sensors,” has been published in the journal Applied Nano Materials.
