New rubber promises self-mending products

February 21, 2008 | Source: New Scientist news service

Researchers have built rubber that only uses hydrogen bonds, not covalent or ionic, for connecting crosslinked polymer chains, allowing the rubber to bind back together after being snapped or punctured.

The substance self-heals when its surfaces are brought together under gentle compression at room temperature. Applications include self-healing shoes, fan belts, gloves, and new designs for storage bags.