Newly-discovered plastic that HEALS its own cracks when exposed to certain light

A new type of plastic that can heal itself when damaged could mean satellites will be able to stay in orbit for longer, scientists have revealed. The polymer heals cracks when exposed to certain light by converting from a rigid structure to a much softer, malleable substance. Under certain conditions, the plastic used by researchers could become up to ten times softer and more dynamic. Such plastics could also be used to coat vehicles on Earth, including cars, giving them the ability to heal after being involved in crashes. A new type of plastic that can heal itself when damaged could mean satellites may stay in orbit for even longer, scientists have revealed.