Have you heard of such a thing as polymorphism? No? Then today I will tell you about it and about one of its applications
Despite technological progress, most things in the world are made of “eternal” but very fragile plastic. One of them is the laptop case. And let’s imagine that we have a problem – it cracked and got chipped. What to do? Let’s consider one of the options for solving this problem.
Polymorph thermoplastic
At one time, on one resource of product reviews from China, I came across a strange thing – liquid plastic. On the Internet, it can be found under the word “polymorphous” or “superplastic”. It is a ball of plastic that is very similar in nature to the silica gel found in shoe boxes. However, it has a completely different application. The fact is that after pouring these balls with hot water, we will get a liquid plastic that can be molded into the shape we need. However, let’s not rush ahead, let’s do it as you like – with pictures and a description 🙂
These balls are very light in weight, and the size is about the size of a round grain of rice. Thanks to this form, even a little water is enough for the plastic to start changing from a solid to a liquid form.
Pouring boiling water literally a dozen or two seconds is enough for our plastic to be ready for use. As an example, here is a photo of the plastic that I got a little earlier and that did not have time to soften enough:
It is easy and simple to work with this material – even if we got it very early, or, on the contrary, the plastic began to harden – it is enough to put it again in hot water and it will become flexible again. This feature allows, even in case of failure, to correct the error and change the shape of the product. Some people use this material to make figurines. This toy for children is no less popular. The manufacturer claims that this type of plastic is non-toxic, which means it can be used anywhere. However, I would not give it to small children due to the presence of small granules.
Application
Let’s return to our task – restoring the case. The problem that happened to me is not very complicated, but, let’s say, unpleasant. The laptop that came to me had a chip on the plastic near the power connector. The connector did not hold and it was impossible to use the laptop. And then I remembered that I have this superplastic.
In the photo, which is large, there was a laptop of the same model, but with a more serious problem. The corner of the connector attachment was completely broken. Here we have simply “eaten” fastening of the connector
The problem is not so global, but it was decided to solve it capitally – using plastic behind the connector and from below, thereby making it a support and fastening.
As you can see, there is enough space in the case where this plastic can attach to make our mount literally monolithic. Meanwhile, the plastic had already managed to “melt” and acquired this appearance.
Unfortunately, due to the rather low temperature in the house, solidification occurs very quickly and it was not possible to take additional photos. Therefore, here is a photo of what I got:
The plastic got both from the bottom of the connector and behind it. I specifically used it with a margin so that the structure would not deform. Next to the mount, we can see the bolt hole – in this place the case is screwed and the connector with this plastic will be securely fixed in place. By the way, as an option, this plastic can also be used in places where the nuts of the housing are damaged.
It’s not surprising that the plastic oozes from all sides, because in its essence it is even softer than plasticine, but when it hardens quickly, it becomes very strong and more homogeneous than the same glue from a glue gun that could be used in similar places. In addition, the minus of the glue gun is that there we cannot shape the product, but here it is done without problems.
I took some material, so I just took some of it out of the water and put it back in the box – as I said, the material is reusable. This is what makes it the most convenient of its kind.
Conclusions
This plastic can be used in a wide variety of areas. I once used it to glue a neighbour’s plastic eyeglass frame together. It turned out so-so, but it lasted a little longer. This plastic is also very popular in the world of modellers. It is not always possible to quickly get the necessary spare part. Plastic allows you to make it or repair the original one in the shortest possible time. Someone buys it for children because it promotes good motor development.
I have it in a standard, transparent/white colour, when it hardens it becomes matte. If desired, it can be ordered with a dye that will change it to the colour you need. Due to the peculiarities of the formula, it is difficult to make it invisible in the product without additional painting, but it is much better than having no repair options at all.
Of course, someone will tell me that it is possible to repair a laptop (the same cracked hinges) with epoxy – and I will not argue with him. Epoxy is also a good material, but it is faster than glue, and here we have the opportunity to reproduce, albeit tentatively, part of the device’s case. Superplastic has those features that make it difficult to replace it with something. This is what makes it useful in any home for one purpose or another.
Have you already dealt with him? Where was it used? Are you satisfied with the result? Write in the comments, I will be interested to hear about your experience 🙂
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