Science & Technology

NASA develops new 'self-healing' material

By T.K. Randall
September 2, 2015

Image: ISS Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson in the Cupola (2010)
Credit: Tracy Caldwell Dyson / (PD) NASA Despite their small size, debris fragments and micro meteorites can cause significant damage to orbiting satellites and spacecraft. The crew of the International Space Station even have an escape capsule permanently on standby to get them to safety in the event of such a collision.

Now in a renewed bid to find a solution to this problem, NASA has come up with a remarkable new type of material that is able to heal up all on its own within as little as two seconds.It is comprised of a reactive liquid between two layers of a solid polymer so that when it is punctured the liquid inside is exposed to the air and quickly solidifies - plugging up the hole.

The material could prove invaluable in other applications too such as in the contstruction of fuel tanks, military vehicles, aircraft and even on the outside of a future base on Mars.


Source: News.com.au

Tags: Self-Healing