Scientists Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) led by Dr. Yun-Chae Jung, head of the center
Colorless polyimide (CPI) has outstandingmechanical, electrical and chemical properties. It is transparent, like glass and very durable: it does not get damaged even after hundreds of thousands of folds. CPI is widely commercialized and used in the creation of foldable and flexible displays, as well as widely in the aerospace industry and in the creation of solar cells.
Permanent experts are trying to give even moredurability of polyimide due to elimination of cracks that can occur in various exposure environments, and breakdowns caused by continuous electromagnetic waves. Several research groups have tried to solve these problems by adding and applying a protective layer to the surface.
To maintain a fast self-healing fromcracks and damaged functions while retaining the benefits of colorless polyimide, KIST-Yonsei University's collaborative research group has developed a self-healing colorless polyimide using linseed oil. It hardens easily at a room temperature of 25 ° C, so it is widely used as a coating material for preserving art objects.
The KIST research group producedmicrocapsules filled with linseed oil, which served as a healing layer when mixed with silicone and polyimides. In the material developed by the team, microcapsules break when mechanically damaged, then flaxseed oil flows into the damaged area to harden, thereby “healing” it.
The self-healing, colorless polyimide could radically address the physical properties and durability of damaged polymeric materials, scientists believe.
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