Scientists develop self-healing, recyclable 'electronic skin'

Electronic skin is a thin, translucent material that can mimic the function and mechanical properties of human skin. Scientists  from University of Colorado have developed a new type of malleable, self-healing and fully recyclable "electronic skin" that has applications ranging from robotics and prosthetic development to better biomedical devices.

The new e-skin has sensors embedded to measure pressure, temperature, humidity and air flow. The technology has several distinctive properties, including a novel type of covalently bonded dynamic network polymer, known as polyimine. The polyimine has been laced with silver nanoparticles to provide better mechanical strength, chemical stability and electrical conductivity. Another benefit of the new e-skin is that it can be easily conformed to curved surfaces like human arms and robotic hands by applying moderate heat and pressure to it without introducing excessive stresses.

meddaily.ru