Self-Healing Thermoplastic Elastomer

Dr. Jeff Moore from the University of Illinois has developed a self-healing thermoplastic elastomer based on the common commercial epoxy CTBN. The self-healing properties are based on an ionic supramolecular structure. After being cut the material can be rejoined through contact at room temperature without the use of additional solvents or pressure. 

This material is capable of extending the life of rubber products at low cost due the commercially available nature of CTBN.