Zurich engineers develop self-healing, rust-fighting material with potential to revolutionize industries

Nearly everything humans construct using metal is susceptible to rust over time. This not only tarnishes aesthetics but can also result in serious repercussions. Corrosion can damage car bodies, weaken buildings we reside in and turn city-connecting bridges hazardous. In an ingenious resolution to this problem, engineers from the Federal Polytechnic in Zurich have developed a highly versatile material.

This material is known as Polyphenylene Methane (PPM). It can be sprayed onto surfaces where it hardens, creating a protective polymer coating. Tests have demonstrated that even an extremely thin layer, about 0.0012 - 0.0020 inches (less than the thickness of a human hair), is sufficient to keep metal from rusting.

Yet, protecting metal against corrosion is not the only benefit of this polymer developed by Zurich engineers. Interestingly, PPM can also indicate surface damage. Upon damage, the polymer ceases to fluoresce under ultraviolet light, significantly easing inspection tasks and speeding up potential repair operations.

Additionally, Polyphenylene Methane exhibits a self-healing ability. The coating's area heats up upon being scratched, causing the polymer to melt and fill the crack. The area then cools down, and the polymer coating rehardens.

Another notable aspect of PPM, as highlighted by the engineers from the Federal Polytechnic in Zurich, is its recyclability. It can be recovered and reused. During testing, as much as 95% of the material was retrieved, and its properties remained intact even after five reuse cycles.

Currently, awaiting patent approval, the engineers are diligently refining the formula. If progress unfolds as planned, PPM could soon become a commercial product. Its potential applications in construction, automotive, and aviation industries could provide efficient rust protection in our everyday lives.