3D-printed objects taught to recover after cutting in half

To print the products, the scientists used the method of photopolymerization, which is used to cure liquid resin

The researchers then discovered an oxidizer that gave the material the ability to heal itself.

As we gradually increased the amount of oxidizer, the material's ability to self-heal increased, but to photopolymerize.There is competition between these two processes, but in the end we managed to find a ratio that canprovide both high self-healing and relatively fast photocuring.

by Quimin Wang, University of Southern California

Scientists believe that the development of self-healing material will be a turning point for manufacturers of footwear, car tires and soft robotics.

Previously, engineers from Hokkaido University created a material that does not collapse during deformation or rupture, but becomes only stronger.