ge5125840826823981406
Carsales Staff16 Apr 2014
NEWS

Now you see it, now you don't

German researchers are on the path towards development of truly scratch-resistant paintwork. But they are not saying when it might be commercially available

According to researchers at Germany's Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), scratched paintwork on a car could be a thing of the past if new discoveries in the development of self-repairing polymers realise their initial promise.

Central to this Utopian possibility is a new polymer that has the ability to mend itself in a few minutes after being heated at low temperatures of around 120 degrees Celsius.

The research team, headed by Christopher Barner-Kowollik, says the new polymer could be used for the creation of self-repairing sealants, scratch-resistant paints, and more reliable fibre-reinforced plastic components.

Research into self-repairing polymers has so far taken two problematic directions; the first using a network of embedded microcapsules containing a healing agent that can only work a limited number of times, and the second using a potentially infinitely effective but energy-hungry process that utilises reversible chemical reactions,

The apparent breakthrough is the recent development of a third approach using a “switchable network” of cross-linked fibres or small molecules bonded by a reversible chemical reaction.

Researchers say the peculiarity of the new material is that the fibres can be broken down into their constituents, then reassembled with the application of (relatively low) heat.

The process can theoretically be repeated an unlimited number of times.

The research team says the new polymer could also be used in rapid prototyping, adhesives and composite materials.

Share this article
Written byCarsales Staff
See all articles
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a family car?Get the latest advice and reviews on family car that's right for you.
Explore the Family Hub
Family
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.