Containing resin self-healing materials

If we are to solve the entire plastic waste problem, then part of the solution may be to repair the material itself when it is broken so that it does not have to be discarded.

A team at the University of Texas at Lamar began using liquid resin to cut in. When the material was exposed to ultraviolet light, it hardened. Using laser-assisted stereolithography 3D printing technology, most of the resin was exposed to ultraviolet light, making It solidifies, while the small reservoir of unexposed liquid resin is still trapped inside.

As long as these objects remain intact, the liquid is included. If the polymeric resin ruptures, capillary action aspirates some of the liquid resin. Once quickly exposed to an artificial UV source, the liquid resin polymerizes to seal the crack. This is similar to the way blood flows out and the wound heals when injured.