smitty777's Journal: Self Healing Clay = New Plastic?

The New Scientist is reporting on a new type of clay that could serve as a replacement for plastic. According to the article, the researchers at the University of Japan were seeking replacements for plastic that were non-oil based. According to the article:

Takuzo Aida and his team mixed a few grams of clay with 100 grams of water in the presence of tiny quantities of a thickening agent called sodium polyacrylate and an organic "molecular glue". The thickening agent teases apart the clay into thin sheets, increasing its surface area and allowing the glue to get a better hold on it.

It will be interesting to watch this technology for developments.