Defective Plastics Repair Themselves (IMAGE) Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Caption The microcrack has gotten much smaller in as little as 30 minutes after the plastic component was supplied with ions. Credit © Fraunhofer UMSICHT Usage Restrictions The picture may be used for editorial purposes only. It is protected by copyright. The use is free of charge if the reference is mentioned. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.