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Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo: Self-Healing Spacecraft? Tiny Tubes Ooze Epoxy


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Time-lapse images (right) show an experimental self-repairing material that researchers say could enable spacecraft and airplane sheathing to "heal" minor damage.

The material is laced with hollow glass tubes just a thousandth of an inch (30 micrometers) in diameter (top left). Upon impact the tubes shatter, releasing liquid epoxy ingredients that seep into cracks and harden to repair damage (bottom left).

Images courtesy European Space Agency