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Scientists were testing the metal's resistance under a microscope when they noticed that the fragment regenerated its cracks automatically.
Imagine a future where a cracked or damaged metal to regenerate spontaneously. Sound unreal? Thanks to an unexpected discovery, this fantasy could become a reality, breaking new ground in engineering and transforming our relationship with the materials we use every day.
We always associate metals with characteristics such as conductivity, durability and high melting and boiling points. Now, imagine adding “self-healing” to that list. In a discovery that could mark a new era in engineering, scientists have observed a metal regenerating itself automatically, a phenomenon that, if well understood and controlled, could revolutionize the way we manufacture and use countless structures.
40-nanometer-thick platinum fragment “healed” its cracks in a few minutes
This incredible discovery occurred during an experiment carried out by researchers at Sandia National Laboratories and Texas A&M University. They were testing the strength of the metal using a transmission electron microscope. In it, a platinum fragment 40 nanometers thick was suspended in a vacuum and pulled 200 times per second.
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This continued stress eventually created tiny cracks known as fatigue damage. Generally, this damage leads to the breakdown of equipment and structures. But, to everyone's surprise, after 40 minutes of testing, the platinum began to regenerate, merging and repairing itself on a minuscule scale.
Brad Boyce, a materials scientist, described the experience to ScienceAlert, saying it was amazing to witness this self-healing firsthand.
The possibilities of self-regeneration of metal
The exact conditions that led to platinum self-healing are still unknown, as is the possibility of replicating this phenomenon. However, the existence of metals with this ability could revolutionize various fields engineering, from bridge maintenance to smartphone repair.
Although it is the first time that such a process is seen in action, a previous research, carried out in 2013, had already predicted the self-healing of nanocracks in metals, thanks to the tiny crystalline grains inside that alter their response to stress.
Another notable point is that the self-healing of the metal took place at room temperature. One possible explanation is the occurrence of a process called cold welding, which happens when the metallic surfaces get close enough for the atoms to intertwine. This phenomenon is even more likely in pure metals and in a vacuum, which raises the question: can this process be replicated in common metals and in typical environments?
Michael Demkowicz, one of the materials scientists involved in the research, expressed his enthusiasm for the discovery, hoping that it will encourage other researchers to consider that, under the right circumstances, metals can surprise us with behavior never seen before.
With this discovery, we look forward to a revolution in the way we perceive and use metals, embarking on a future where materials can be as resilient as life itself.
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