British scientists were able to develop aircraft wings that automatically fixes themselves when damage is detected, proving that self-healing technology can go beyond science fiction movies and into real life.
The British team from University of Bristol headed by Professor Duncan Wass, has been secretly conducting their research for three years. The team leader is hoping to develop other products with this technology soon.
They are focused on transforming carbon fiber composite materials, which are commonly used in creating commercial aircrafts and sports equipment like bicycles and rackets. They have been working with aerospace engineers to find ways that can prevent aircraft wings and fuselage from producing cracks that are not easily seen and discovered due to their size.
The self-healing technology works because of the added tiny, hollow microspheres to the carbon material which disrupt when subjected to strong force and when a liquid healing agent is released.
The team leader Professor Wass revealed the inspiration of his group for doing the study.
"We took inspiration from the human body. We've not evolved to withstand any damage - if we were like that we'd have a skin as thick as a rhinoceros - but if we do get damaged, we bleed, and it scabs and heals. We just put that same sort of function into a synthetic material: let's have something that can heal itself," Professor Wass said.
The discovery they made was tested and results showed that the same strength is present on the undamaged and the healed material. This promising result gives hope that aircraft wings can repair themselves even while flying in the air.
Professor Wass stated that they are planning on improving the self-healing feature, saying that they are working towards making it invisible to the naked eye.
The research which was sponsored by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council's UK Catalysis Hub will be showcased at a Royal Society gathering this week in London. The discovery is considered a significant step in producing self-healing feature in products like nail polish and mobile phones.
