Just three days ago, Chinese researchers have discovered a breakthrough in technology-a self-patching, a reactive gel that has applications for 3D printing, among others.
Xinhua Net reports that this new material was created at the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering at the Nanjing University. Li Chengui, associate professor at the said school, stressed that the new material was astounding. It possessed both self-healing properties as well as enough strength to be an effective material for various applications, 3D printing included.
Several patents have been applied for the said material, a unique invention which can change the way products are conceptualized and tried-out through 3D printing.
The material is considered a heaven-sent among repair shops and cellphone manufacturers.
One application of the said material, according to 3D Print, is for cellphone screens or any screen that is made of glass. Cellphone owners know that, at least once in your life, you'll inevitably come across damage to your cell phone. Break the screen through dropping or any other cause and you'll have a hard time using your cell phone. Thanks to the 3D printing gel, cellphone screens will be easier to repair than before.
There are a lot of applications for 3D printing because of the surprising properties it was found to have. Aside from its self-healing properties,it was also discovered to have characteristics like conductivity, making its application even wider. However, that also opens the material to unexpected damage, so it's still a matter of finding the right applications for it.
The material, as discovered by the school, was said to exhibit a good rating when exposed to temperature; this discovery allows it to be easily re-shaped and malleable enough for different applications. It can turn into liquid form and re-form as a solid quick enough to be a satisfactory item in product creation.
It was also said to be applicable for medical use. The self-healing material makes it easier to form and re-form into a cast if it happens to break or crack. It can also be an effective cast for its other properties such as being lightweight, recyclable, and water-resistant.
