Chemistry professor Takuzo Aida and colleagues used a substance called polyether thiourea to create a plastic material that can self-heal if the fragments are put together at room temperature.

The plastic material can self-heal if the pieces are put together at room temperature. (Source: University of Tokyo)

Japanese scientists have just found a method of  making plastic  capable of self-healing at room temperature (a certain temperature level in an enclosed space that humans are used to being accustomed to is common in the range of 18 – 23 degrees Celsius). ) - can be used to manufacture smartphone screens and other products.

In 2018, chemistry professor Takuzo Aida of University of Tokyo  and colleagues used a substance called polyether thiourea to create a plastic material that can self-heal if the fragments are put together at high temperatures. room.

In their latest study, they mixed this plastic material with another non-self-healing plastic at a rate of 20%. Research results show that this plastic mixture is still capable of self-healing at room temperature.

Explaining the mechanism of action of the new plastic, Professor Aida said that plastic contains chains of molecules twisted together. The bonds between these molecules will disappear when the plastic product is broken. Currently, people have to melt ordinary plastic products at high temperatures to restore the bonds between these molecules.

However, the new plastic can mend broken molecular chains  by a mechanism called "hydrogen bonding." So when the fragments are put together at room temperature for about an hour, they will fully restore the stability of the links.

According to the research team, this new type of plastic can seal cracks in plastic products that humans cannot see with the naked eye. So this technique could help develop sustainable plastic products that don't need to be discarded or recycled.

Scientists hope to be able to use this plastic to make cell phone screens, eyeglass frames, home electronics, furniture, airplanes and cars.