Dutch scientists have moved a step closer to designing a ruthenium-based catalyst which can be used in self-healing materials.

Researchers have already created catalysts which remain unreactive until activated through the mechanical application of ultrasound.

However, ultrasound is only part of a trial to determine the viability of the hypothesis and it is hoped that the catalyst will eventually be activated through the tearing, scratching or bending of the material.

Explaining the theory behind the concept, the Eindhoven University of Technology's Rint Sijbesma, the study's lead researcher, said that while there are already instances of catalysts being activated by stress, none use latent catalysts which are capable of prolonging the "life-time of the self-healing activity".

A ruthenium-based catalyst was the one identified as the most applicable for use in self-healing materials, the researchers found.

Wayne Hayes, a self-healing polymeric materials expert from the University of Reading, believes the team's progress is "good development towards a self healing material".

As well as being used as a catalyst, ruthenium is sometimes added to titanium to improve corrosion.

Sources:

Torn catalysts help polymers heal themselves (06/04/09)
http://www.rsc.org/chemistryworld/News/2009/April/06040904.asp