A carbon-fiber composite based on aromatic thermosetting copolyester (ATSP) can repeatedly heal cracks and recover shape when heated to specific temperatures, while maintaining mechanical integrity over hundreds of load–heal cycles, reports Texas A&M University. According to the research team, this material is several times stronger than steel yet lighter than aluminum. While stronger-than-steel claims pop…
Scientists develop reversible adhesive that could transform composites
For decades, the strength and durability of composite adhesives such as epoxy resins have made them essential in everything from construction to aerospace. However, this exceptional strength presents a frustrating downside: these materials become stubbornly permanent once bonded. Recently, researchers have unveiled a new class of composite materials that are equally robust but feature a…