Self-Healing Rubber

A new rubber material that can repair itself completely in as little as a few minutes has been created from industrial waste products that are not only cheap, but are also readily available – namely, sulfur, canola cooking oil and a by-product of petroleum refining called dicyclopentadiene (DCPD). When damaged, a chemical catalyst can be applied to two pieces allowing them to actually bond together, so instead of a patch, it forms a single piece.

The material could be used to create a host of flexible, repairable and sustainable products, including tires. In nearly every corner of the world, disposal of old tires is a growing concern. But tires made of self-healing rubber could be easily and permanently repaired without compromising integrity.

Because it’s also resistant to water, salt and corrosion, the new rubber can be used in marine applications. Other uses include making bricks for constructing buildings without the need for mortar. And best of all, it’s totally recyclable and can be used over and over again.