Self-Healing, Recyclable, Shape Memory Polymers

By tweaking the chemistry of a single polymer, researchers have created a family of synthetic materials that ranges in texture from ultra-soft to extremely rigid. The materials are 3D-printable, self-healing, recyclable, and naturally adhere to each other in air or underwater. These characteristics make them suited for more realistic prosthetics and soft robotics as well as broad military applications such as agile platforms for air vehicles and futuristic, self-healing aircraft wings.