Smart polymers may soon make a dent in auto body repair revenues. That's because smart polymers are able to repair themselves when exposed to ultraviolet light. The self-healing abilities extend beyond the plastics used in auto manufacture because while many polymers are plastics, many other materials, both natural and synthetic, are also polymers. Neoprene, nylon, PVC, polystyrene, polyethylene and silicone are all synthetic polymers that might be made self-healing.
Popular Science explains:...known as supramolecular assembly, these self-healing polymers are composed of small molecules assembled into long, polymer-like chains using metal ions as a kind of “molecular glue” ... under intense ultraviolet light that molecular glue comes undone, allowing the material to flow like a liquid and fill in a scratch or tear. Remove the UV source, and the polymer glue sets again, re-chaining the polymer and creating a solid coating once again.
The self-healing properties of smart polymers are attractive, but I wonder what happens when sunlight hits a car coated with smart polymers. Does the surface go molten until sunset, or is the intensity of ultraviolet light required greater than that emitted from the sun? Maybe that's one of the items yet to be worked out.
Image Credit: <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2011-04/self-healing-polymer-fixes-itself-under-ultraviolet-">1</a> | <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.kurzweilai.net/self-healing-polymers-fix-scratches-using-light-rather-than-heat">2</a>
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Smart Polymers
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop and commercialize smart polymers for various industries beyond auto manufacturing.
- Self-healing Materials
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the potential of self-healing materials in industries such as construction and electronics.
- Supramolecular Assembly
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Harness the concept of supramolecular assembly to create novel materials with self-healing properties.
Where This Applies
- Auto Manufacturing
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implement self-healing polymers in auto body repair to reduce costs and streamline repair processes.
- Construction
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Integrate self-healing materials into construction projects to enhance durability and extend the lifespan of buildings.
- Electronics
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate self-healing materials in electronic devices to prevent damage and improve product longevity.
