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

For printing products, scientists used the method of photopolymerization - with it for curing the liquid resin

light is used. The researchers then discovered an oxidizing agent that gave the material the possibility of self-healing.

When we gradually increased the amountoxidant, the ability of the material to heal itself is enhanced, but to photopolymerization. There is competition between these two processes, but in the end we managed to find a relationship that can provide both high self-healing and relatively fast photopolymerization.

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.