Vulcanisation involves adding curatives, such as sulphur, to make rubber more durable while maintaining its elasticity. But once it has been punctured it cannot be patched for long-term use. Amit Das and his colleagues from the Leibniz Institute are developing their product to address this.
Using a chemical process that avoids vulcanisation altogether, the researchers have modified commercial rubber into a durable, elastic material that can fix itself over time. Testing showed that a cut in the material healed at room temperature, a property that could allow a tyre to mend itself while parked. Heating to 100°C for the first 10 minutes was said to accelerate the repair process. After eight days, the rubber could withstand a stress of 754psi.
The researchers said their product could be further strengthened by adding reinforcing agents such as silica or carbon black.