Self-healing glass might sound like something out of a science fiction movie, but new research from the University of Central Florida (UCF) shows that it’s becoming a reality.
This groundbreaking study, published in the Materials Research Society Bulletin, reveals how a special type of glass can repair itself after being damaged by gamma radiation.
The glass in question is called chalcogenide glass, made from elements like sulfur, selenium, and tellurium, mixed with germanium or arsenic.
These materials are used in sensors and infrared lenses. The study was led by UCF’s Professor Kathleen Richardson, in collaboration with researchers from Clemson University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
The researchers found that when this chalcogenide glass, made of germanium, antimony, and sulfur, is exposed to gamma radiation—like the kind found in space—it develops tiny defects. Remarkably, these defects repair themselves over time at room temperature.
This self-healing ability makes the glass ideal for use in devices and instruments that operate in extreme environments, such as space missions or radioactive facilities.
Professor Richardson and her team at UCF carefully measured and combined the raw materials to create the chalcogenide glass.
They melted the materials in a special furnace to avoid contamination from moisture, oxygen, or other substances. After melting, the glass was formed into thin films at MIT.
The research showed that the glass could repair itself after gamma radiation exposure, thanks to the large atoms and weak bonds in its structure.
When the glass is exposed to radiation, these bonds get distorted or broken. Over time, the bonds relax and reform, effectively healing the glass.
This self-healing property is particularly valuable for infrared systems, which are essential in various fields but have become expensive and scarce. Chalcogenide glasses offer a cheaper and more flexible alternative to traditional materials like germanium.
Richardson explained, “People are increasingly looking at glasses with similar optical transparency to crystals such as germanium that can be engineered for their composition and properties for use in applications where germanium may be used.”
The study involved a significant collaborative effort. Myungkoo Kang, a former UCF research scientist now at Alfred University’s Inamori School of Engineering, played a crucial role in analyzing the glass’s optical properties before and after radiation exposure.
Kang expressed his gratitude for the experience gained during this research, stating, “Through the training, I became a principal investigator and co-investigator on numerous research programs. This set me up for my academic career.”
The success of this research opens doors for further exploration into other types of self-healing chalcogenide glasses. Kang’s new research group aims to develop advanced ceramics and optical materials that can withstand extreme conditions.
This discovery of self-healing glass marks a significant advancement in materials science. The ability of chalcogenide glass to repair itself after radiation damage makes it a promising material for future technologies, especially in space exploration and radioactive environments.
The collaborative effort and dedication of the research team have laid the groundwork for exciting new developments in the field.
