Self-Healing Flexible Circuit HealFlex Enters Mass Production: Restores 99% Conductivity Within 30 Seconds After Breakage

University of Tokyo materials science professor Takuzo Aida's team announced on September 7 that their self-healing flexible circuit material HealFlex has passed mass production validation, achieving monthly capacity of 100,000 square meters.

HealFlex's core is an elastic polymer matrix containing microcapsule metal conductors. When a circuit breaks, microcapsules at the fracture site automatically rupture, releasing a liquid metal alloy (gallium-indium eutectic). The liquid metal fills the break gap through capillary action and rapidly oxidizes in air to form a conductive pathway. The entire self-healing process takes only 30 seconds at room temperature, with restored conductivity exceeding 99% of the original state.

Apple has included HealFlex in its wearable device supply chain verification list. According to supply chain sources, the 2030 Apple Watch Series 12 may be the first device to adopt HealFlex material, addressing the common issue of circuit breakage in flexible watch bands. Samsung Electronics is also evaluating HealFlex for use in foldable phone hinge areas.

Professor Aida said: "HealFlex's self-healing mechanism requires no external energy input and doesn't depend on temperature triggering. It's an inherent property of the material itself—just like skin's healing ability."