Airplane wings could be self-healing in the next 5 to 10 years, team of UK researchers agreed in the University of Bristol.
The team was inspired by how the human body heals, a cut with the blood that hardens into a crust.
They have developed small microspheres containing an "agent of healing" based on liquid carbon interspersed in the airplane wing itself.Spheres will explode when damaged, releasing the liquid that hardens. This hardening occurs when the liquid comes into contact with a catalyst substance, also present in the modified wing material. The temperature is an additional factor.
"We are talking about small cracks - not (3 feet) holes said chemistry professor Duncan Wass.
"You all know that microcracks can lead to catastrophic failure."
The technology could also be applied to other products made of carbon composites - including bicycle frames and wind turbines, he added,
Composite materials are increasingly used in modern airliners, military aircraft and wind turbines. They are very rigid and strong but very light.
"That's perfect for aerospace ... but the problem is if they are damaged, usually can be difficult to protect and repair," he said.
The aircraft wings "cured" were often so strong as they had been at the start, Professor Wass, who was working with engineers in the research project said .
"We are all talking about the wings here - the most demanding application due to the safety aspect," he said.
Literally We break it, let it heal, break it again. In some cases we were getting 100% recovery.