Patched-up Plastic

Skin is the largest organ of the human body, and one of its many functions is to provide a protective barrier which is able to repair itself when damaged. Scientists have recently taken inspiration from this biological system and developed a self-healing plastic. The chemical components of the plastic are held separately in a network of tiny channels which run throughout the material. When the plastic is damaged – as shown in the video – the chemicals spill out and mix together. They react in a process known as polymerisation, which causes them to harden and form a plastic patch of up to one centimetre in diameter. This process could be used to protect medical devices which are implanted in the body – such as artificial joints and pacemakers. A coating of self-healing plastic could prevent micro-fractures that these devices can incur as they degrade over time.

Written by Helen Thomas

Helen Thomas

Writer

Currently at Warwick University, Helen is working towards a chemistry doctorate in nanomaterials. However her scientific interests remain broad, and she enjoys exploring these different areas as a writer for the University paper.

• Video by Katia Moskvitch
• Copyright held by Nature Publishing Group
• Paper published in Nature, May 2014