"Unveiling the Astonishing Self-Repairing Wonders of Chemical Gardens"
Scientists at Florida State University have developed a mathematical model that explains the growth, pattern formation, and self-healing properties of chemical gardens. These structures, formed by mixing metal salts in a silicate solution, have fascinated chemists since the 1600s. The model helps understand how chemical gardens grow, form different shapes, and transition from flexible to brittle materials. It could pave the way for the development of self-repairing materials with the ability to reconfigure and heal themselves. The research sheds light on the universal principles governing the formation of chemical gardens and validates their self-healing capabilities.