Can a smartphone cure itself? A group of researchers at the University of Melbourne are developing a unique 3D printed self-healing gel for mobile devices, making it possible for smartphones to self-heal. Self-healing gel, also known as "poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate)", is a polymer-based substance that repairs itself like a living tissue after being damaged. At the same time, it is also widely used to make different types of contact lenses. Its special regenerative properties make it suitable not only for mobile phones, but also for any other objects that may be stressed, such as automotive surfaces. The innovation team led by Dr. Milena Nadgorny includes Dr. Luke Connal and Dr. ZeyunXiao, researchers at the Melbourne Institute of Engineering, who have published the study in the Royal Society of Chemistry's Molecular Systems Design & Engineering. The article states, “When an object that uses 3D printed self-healing materials is damaged, it can be self-healing, just like the healing power of a bioremediation organization... this unique property provides a longer life for the product. "" Dr. Connal explained that the treatment they refer to is actually based on dynamic covalent chemistry: “This means we can break and reform its chemical bonds, and by controlling and triggering, we can change the properties of its 3D printed objects. "" Self-healing gel allows the phone screen to repair itself In fact, the project is a case of so-called " 4D printing ", and similar ones have been applied to many different things. A 3D printed object made of a self-healing gel or the like can react to its environment in a specific manner, for example, changing its shape and structure according to environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, acidity, and the like. The self-healing gel has a property similar to toothpaste, and when it is pressed, it can flow like a liquid and can form a solid shape. Dr. Connal said: "We have added a special dynamic chemistry to this polymer. This substance can enhance the gel, but by stimulating it (such as changes in acidity), we can weaken the gel again." The dynamic properties of the material are achieved by simply converting its basic structure so that it can heal any damage suffered. For example, broken mobile phone screens, tablets or deformed doors can be self-healing by changing the ambient temperature, humidity, etc. Although this material is an amazing breakthrough, the team still faces some huge challenges in using self-healing gel 3D printed screens. The touch screen is complicated because researchers need to re-integrate this technology with the features of the screen and the display. However, non-interactive screens or phones that can heal themselves are absolutely feasible in the future. Although all of this may seem like science fiction, it is about to become a reality. Dr. Connal believes that with the further development of 4D printing technology, the possibilities will be endless: “The potential for developing new 3D printing materials is great,†he said. “This is an exciting and fast-growing area. †Glass Desk,Glass Corner Desk,Office Glass Computer Table,Glass Desktop Work Table Longsheng Office Furniture Co.,Ltd , https://www.longshengfurniture.com