Science & Technology

Scientists create self-healing electronic skin

By T.K. Randall
February 10, 2018 ·  1 comment

The e-skin is able to heal itself. Image Credit: Jianliang Xiao / University of Colorado Boulder Consisting of a thin translucent strip, the 'e-skin' attempts to mimic many of the properties and functionalities of actual human skin for use in a broad range of applications.

Equipped with temperature, pressure, humidity and air flow sensors, the material is constructed from three separate compounds mixed together in a matrix and laced with silver nanoparticles.

If the e-skin is cut in half, additional compounds are added to the wound, enabling it to 'heal'.In the event that the skin is damaged beyond repair, it can even be recycled by using a special solution to liquefy it in to a form that can be used to create new skin.

"This particular device.. won't produce any waste," said study co-author Jianliang Xiao from the University of Colorado Boulder. "We want to make electronics to be environmentally friendly."

In the future, e-skins such as this one could be used in a wide range of medical, scientific and engineering applications including prosthetic limbs, 'smart' textiles and health monitors.

Source: The Verge | Comments (1)

Tags: Electronic Skin