Scientists from the University of Tokyo have developed a stretchy, rubbery material which is able to conduct electricity.

When the material, which comprises single wall carbon nanotubes, elastic resin and an ionic liquid, is attached to a grid of tiny transistors, it cab be stretched up to 2.34 times its original size, without adverse effects to the conductivity. Later it reverts to its original form.

A similar material was developed in 2005, but was only able to stretch 1.25 longer than its original size, and its conductivity limited to 10S/cm. The newly developed material has a conductivity of 57S/cm.

According to a paper published by the scientists working on the project, the material could be used to create flexible electronics, and there have been suggestions it could be used on the joints of a robot’s arm.

A new technique that mimics the natural healing process could enable damaged aircraft to automatically mend themselves, even during flight.

The technique, developed by aerospace engineers at Bristol University, is based on the bruising and bleeding/healing process seen in humans, and has the potential to be used wherever fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are used.

The technique involves filling the hollow glass fibres contained in FRP composites with resin or hardener. When the fibres break, perhaps due to a tiny hole or crack appearing in an aircraft, the resin and hardener ‘bleeds’ out, enabling the composite to recover up to 80 – 90 per cent of its original strength – allowing the plane to function at its normal operational load.

By mixing dye into the resin, any ‘self-mends’ would show as coloured patches that could be easily pinpointed during subsequent ground inspections, and a full repair carried out if necessary.

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