Self Healing Surfaces

 

Imagine if that scratch in your auto paint automatically repainted itself. This may be just a few steps away. Researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA in Stuttgart, together with colleagues from Duisburg-Essen University, have created a process manifesting in an electroplated material impregnated with small capsules of the surface finishing. If elements on the surface are scratched, these microscopic reservoirs release more of the finish allowing the surface of the material to regenerate.

Items can currently be created in a small range of electroplated metalic finishes ranging from copper, nickel and zinc coatings. The next set of research and experimentation lies in embedding two-part mixtures like epoxies and resins. "The challenge lies in not damaging the capsules when producing the electroplated layer...", says Dr. Martin Metzner, Head of Department at IPA.

It may be a year or two before we can see the full consequences of this breakthrough technology but the idea of the alternate uses inevitably excite and demand the creation of new applications.

Discovered at boingboing.

Comments

[Breitling Cosmonaute watches uk sale]

-Breitling Cosmonaute watches uk sale demand the creation of new applications.

[tag heuer replica]

I was very happy with the results I got from advertising on adhitz. I promote a few Paid to Click tag heuer replica* and with Adhitz I was able to receive many referrals.

[Wholesale Suppliers China]

superpopular was the first ever wholesaler to offer small-quantity, China Wholesale products for Wholesale Dropshipper directly from a warehouse in China.
www.superpopular.net is a reputable site to buy. Customers have been giving positive feedbacks on the qualities of our items, They are committed to do Ladies Bangle Watches with all types of customers (wholesale, retail, or dropship). As a professional supplier, They sale all kinds of products such as wholesale designer watches, buy Hello Kitty Watches from china, wholesale Fashion costume jewelry, Hello Kitty Crystal Necklace, China Wholesale Bags, Wholesale Electronics DropShip, wholesale video games, Wholesale Electronics, etc