TECH

New type of 'electronic skin' may have applications in robotics and medicine

The 'skin' consists of a polymer containing silver nanoparticles, which impart strength, chemical stability and electrical conductivity. Built-in sensors measure pressure, temperature, humidity, and airflow.
"What's unique is that the chemical composition of the polymer we use allows e-skin to be self-healing and completely recyclable," said lead researcher Jianliang Xiao of the University of Colorado, author of the study published in Science Advances .
Another advantage of electronic skin is that it can adapt to curved surfaces, such as human arms or robotic hands
When it is wanted to recycle it, it is dipped in a solution that decomposes the polymer into more essential elements that are soluble in ethanol, leaving the silver particles in the bottom of the solution.

Lusa