Self-Healing electronic material is the next invention that can contribute to birth of new generation of electronic and wearable devices.

Started with a smart watch, then glasses and now VR. It will become a standard gadget in coming years looking at the demanding application it has. But they are prone to damage after constant usage. Electronics material used in current devices is prone to damage easily. Either it’s a smart watch, smart glasses, fitness tracker bands, etc. Built with non-flexible electrical conductive material, the devices functionality is never guaranteed. Major startups are bringing up variety of IoT devices which in future will occupy our homes and office. Assuming a costly setup the repair cost on it relies on the level of damage occurred. Overall devices either gadgets or any other product relies on usage.

The best way to make this device work for a longer time is to provide components that can heal itself. Researchers are already working on technology that can reduce the wear and tear. This can contribute to the development of next generation electrical conductive material that can heal itself.

A self-healing dielectric is under development by researchers at Penn State University. “Most research into self-healable electronic materials has focused on electrical conductivity, but dielectrics have been overlooked,” according to Professor Qing Wang.

Video by Penn State Research Communications shows flexible self-healing insulator that can perform well under various condition. The insulator can re-fix itself even when divided into two pieces. It can self-heal even after extreme twisting and stretching. Such insulators used in electronics can make it more reliable.

Takeaways:

• Researchers at Penn State are working on flexible insulator.
• Self-repairing electrical conductors can extend life of wearable and other electronic devices.