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These resources have been reviewed and selected by STEM Learning’s team of education specialists for factual accuracy and relevance to teaching STEM subjects in UK schools.

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This short film from the Technology Enhancement Programme (TEP) is one of a series of clips which were produced to demonstrate the properties and use of a range of smart materials.

The silicon polymer sheet featured here has the property of almost instant self-repairing. If two freshly cut edges are pushed back together, new bonds form and in seconds it becomes virtually impossible to pull the cut open. Similarly, if two clean surfaces are brought together, new bonds immediately form - making this one of the few known materials that can be welded to itself using pressure alone. It bonds to itself and only itself.

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