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Nissan announces an iPhone case with self-healing paint
Better known for its automobiles, Nissan has shifted gears to the realm of electronics accessories with a new scratchproof iPhone case. More accurately, the cover is susceptible to scratches, but it can automatically "heal" them courtesy of a special paint the Japanese automaker developed in 2005.
Dubbed Scratch Shield, the polyrotaxane-based paint has been used on the company's Murano, 370Z, X-Trail and Infiniti vehicles. When gashed, the chemical structure reacts by changing back to its original shape, thus mending the damage. Here's a quick demo from 2008 showing the solution in action:
The clip shows a minor abrasion healing over a brief period (the video is only a minute long, but the description sounds as if it's elapsed over half an hour -- impressive regardless). Nissan's press release says Scratch Shield can heal small nicks in as little as an hour, while deeper cuts can take up to a week.
Compatible with the iPhone 4 and 4S, the Scratch Shield case is constructed from ABS plastic and was developed in conjunction with the University of Tokyo and Advanced Softmaterials. In addition to its self-repairing properties, the gel-like paint offers a grippy surface instead of a slick glossy coating.
The product currently exists in prototype form and is being tested by select journalists and customers. There's no word on pricing, but if there appears to be enough demand, Nissan will ship the finished product later this year. It's also partnering with other companies interested in using Scratch Shield, such as NTT DoCoMo.
"We're really excited about the possibilities provided by this technology. In Japan, we've already linked up with world-leading mobile operator NTT DoCoMo to allow them to use the Scratch Shield technology on its Style Series N-03B mobile phones, and we think this technology has real scope beyond the automotive world."
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User Comments: 10
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Tech level = Asian.
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It would be a cool case if it didn't have 'Nissan' branded all over it.
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Come on Nissan! When will my car fold into a brief case?
This is actually some pretty amazing stuff. I can only wonder how long it would last before gravity takes over and has it drip off the car instead of heal small gaps.
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captainawesome said:
Why don't they just make the iphone out of it instead of a case FOR the iphone?
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How many times can it heal itself?
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You have to use fire or acid to kill it.
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"You have to use fire or acid to kill it."
Damn you.. I was enjoying my morning coffee until it came out my nose...
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So it works for minor abrasions, but what about full on scratches or gouges in the paint work? Can it heal the paint if it has been keyed or scraped by another car? I'm guessing not because that would be pretty radical.
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SNGX1275 said:Why don't they just make the iphone out of it instead of a case FOR the iphone?
From 1996: [link] ?
Apples and Watermelons, this is a coat of paint, not reinforced steel.
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