#advanced polymers

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

Shaping Tomorrow: Insights into the Thermoplastic Polyester Engineering Resins Market

The thermoplastic polyester engineering resins market was USD 3,912.2 million in 2022, and it will touch USD 5,896.6 million, advancing at a 5.4% compound annual growth rate, by 2030. The growth of the industry is attributed to the increasing utilization of these resins for various nonstructural applications as they can be utilized without filters and are usually tougher and more ductile than…

[lissomelace]

searching "how silicone is made" for. uh. absolutely no reason at all.

[superchemistryclasses]

Polymer Science Explained: From Everyday Plastics to Advanced Materials

Polymer science is an amazing field of study that explains how some of the most common and useful materials in our world are made. From the plastic wrappers around food to the strong materials used in airplanes, everything depends on polymers. But what exactly is polymer science, and how do these materials work? Let’s break it down in simple terms to understand the basics and importance of this…

[priteshwemarketresearch]

The Competitive Landscape of the Global Self-Healing Coatings Market

Self-Healing Coatings Market Introduction:

The Self-Healing Coatings market is predicted to develop at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 34.3% from 2024 to 2034, when it is projected to reach USD 16,586.69 Million in 2034, based on an average growth pattern. The market is estimated to reach a value of USD 2,783.74 Million in 2024.

Self-healing coatings are innovative materials designed to autonomously repair minor damages, such as scratches and cracks. These coatings incorporate microcapsules or other smart materials that release healing agents when the surface is compromised, initiating a repair process. This technology extends product lifespan, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances durability. The market for self-healing coatings is rapidly expanding due to increasing demand across industries like automotive, aerospace, construction, and electronics.

Get a sample copy of this report:https://wemarketresearch.com/reports/request-free-sample-pdf/self-healing-coatings-market/1556

Self-Healing Coatings Market Drivers

Several factors are driving the growth of the self-healing coatings market:

Increased Demand for Durability and Longevity: Industries are constantly seeking ways to enhance the durability and lifespan of their products. Self-healing coatings offer a solution by extending the service life of materials, reducing maintenance costs, and improving reliability.

Advancements in Materials Science: Ongoing research and development in materials science have led to more effective and affordable self-healing technologies. This has made it possible to integrate these coatings into a broader range of applications.

Environmental Concerns: As industries strive for more sustainable practices, self-healing coatings offer an eco-friendly solution by reducing the need for frequent replacements and repairs, which in turn lowers waste and resource consumption.

Automotive and Aerospace Industries: These sectors are major adopters of self-healing coatings due to their high performance and safety requirements. Self-healing coatings can significantly enhance the durability of parts exposed to harsh conditions.

Applications and Benefits

The potential applications of self-healing coatings are extensive:

Automotive Industry: Self-healing coatings can be applied to car exteriors to repair minor scratches and maintain a pristine appearance. This reduces the need for costly repainting and repairs.

Aerospace Sector: In aerospace, self-healing coatings can protect aircraft components from damage caused by environmental factors and operational stresses, enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs.

Electronics: Self-healing coatings can be used to protect sensitive electronic components from damage and wear, thereby extending the life of electronic devices.

Infrastructure: Buildings and bridges coated with self-healing materials can experience fewer issues related to wear and tear, leading to reduced maintenance costs and longer lifespans.

Companies Covered:

Akzo Nobel N.V.

BASF SE

Dow Chemical Company

PPG Industries

3M Company

Sherwin-Williams Company

Axalta Coating Systems

Nippon Paint Holdings Co., Ltd.

Jotun Group

Hempel A/S

Advanced Polymer Coatings

Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.

Cortec Corporation

Autonomic Materials, Inc.

Sika AG

Market Segments

By Material Type

Polymers

Ceramics

Metal

Others

By Formulation Type

Intrinsic Self-Healing

Extrinsic Self-Healing

By End-use

Automotive

Construction

Aerospace

Electronics

Marine

Others

Growth Factors Driving the Self-Healing Coatings Market

The self-healing coatings market is experiencing robust growth, propelled by several key factors. Understanding these growth drivers provides valuable insight into why this technology is becoming increasingly prominent across various industries. Here’s an in-depth look at the primary factors contributing to the expansion of the self-healing coatings market:

Increasing Demand for Durability and Longevity

In an era where the durability of products is highly valued, self-healing coatings offer a compelling solution. These coatings can significantly enhance the lifespan of materials by repairing minor damages autonomously, which reduces the frequency of repairs and replacements. Industries ranging from automotive and aerospace to construction are seeking ways to extend the service life of their components, driving demand for self-healing technologies.

Technological Advancements in Materials Science

The self-healing coatings market is benefiting from ongoing advancements in materials science. Innovations such as the development of more effective microcapsules, advanced vascular systems, and reversible chemical mechanisms have improved the efficiency and applicability of self-healing coatings. Research and development efforts continue to refine these technologies, making them more versatile and cost-effective.

Future Prospects

The future of the self-healing coatings market looks promising. Ongoing advancements in nanotechnology, biomimetic design, and material science are expected to lead to even more innovative and effective self-healing solutions. Additionally, as industries continue to focus on sustainability and efficiency, the demand for self-healing coatings is likely to grow.

Key objectives of this research are:

To explore Global Market size by respective indicators.

To scrutinize the sum and estimation of the Global Self-Healing Coatings Market Market, Based on key aspects.

To offer an account of the competitive landscape and investigate their development plans.

To examine the Global Market for growth possibilities, and strategic growth.

To review the Global Market size (volume and worth) from the organization, key market regions, items and applications, and statistical data.

To generate competitive learnings and factors analysis, SWOT examination, and business improvement plans for the future.

To scrutinize the range of available and novel organic business growth strategies.

Conclusion

Self-healing coatings represent a groundbreaking advancement in material science, offering the promise of enhanced durability, reduced maintenance, and improved sustainability. As the technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see a broader adoption of these coatings across various sectors, ultimately leading to more resilient and long-lasting products. Whether in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, or infrastructure industries, the self-healing coatings market is set to make a significant impact in the years to come.

Contact Us:

Mr. Robbin Joseph

Corporate Sales, USA

We Market Research

USA: +1-724-618-3925

Websites: https://wemarketresearch.com/

Email: sales@wemarketresearch.com

[mohitbisresearch]

The conducting polymers market is projected to be valued at $7.35 billion in 2024, with an expected expansion at a CAGR of 7.97% to reach $15.82 billion by 2034.

[kaushalkumar1711]

Why Top Dispersing Agent Manufacturers Rely on AMPS Monomer for Advanced Industrial Applications

In the world of industrial chemistry, innovation drives efficiency and effectiveness. One such groundbreaking innovation is the widespread adoption of AMPS monomer—scientifically known as 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid—by leading dispersing agent manufacturers. This remarkable chemical compound has transformed the formulation of dispersing agents, offering unparalleled benefits across various industries. From water treatment to paints, coatings, and adhesives, AMPS chemical has proven itself indispensable in crafting advanced solutions for modern industrial challenges. For more information visit Why Top Dispersing Agent Manufacturers Rely on AMPS Monomer for Advanced Industrial Applications give tags

[earthlyelegance]

Unleashing Creativity: Exploring Polymer Clay Jewelry Making Techniques

Polymer Clay Jewelry Making Techniques: Introduction Polymer clay is a versatile and forgiving medium, this implies a promising new form of jewelry-making with an identifiable edge. After first being processed it transforms into a durable, tough mold that can do everything from tiny beads and intricate pendants to towering statement necklaces and sculptural earrings. This article introduces the…

[diccorporation]

Advanced 3D Printing Polymer Materials: Unlocking New Possibilities

3D printing has revolutionized manufacturing across numerous industries, allowing for the creation of complex structures and highly customized products. One key element driving this innovation is 3D printing polymer materials, which offer versatility, strength, and adaptability to meet the demands of various applications.

Types of 3D Printing Polymer Materials

There are several 3D printing polymer materials available today, each catering to specific needs and industries. The most common types include:

PLA (Polylactic Acid): PLA is one of the most popular choices due to its ease of use and biodegradability. It is derived from renewable resources such as corn starch, making it an eco-friendly option for prototypes, consumer goods, and educational tools. PLA is known for its high printability and smooth surface finish.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): ABS is a durable material with excellent impact resistance and toughness. It is widely used in industries such as automotive and electronics due to its ability to withstand high temperatures and mechanical stress. However, ABS requires a heated print bed for optimal results and can emit fumes during the printing process.

Nylon: Known for its flexibility and strength, nylon is ideal for functional parts and mechanical components. It has excellent wear resistance and can handle repeated use, making it a favorite in industries like engineering and aerospace. Nylon’s slightly porous nature can absorb moisture from the air, so proper storage is necessary to maintain its quality.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): PETG offers a balance between PLA and ABS, combining strength, flexibility, and ease of printing. It is highly resistant to impact and moisture, making it a good choice for products that need to endure harsh environments. PETG is commonly used for food-safe containers and medical devices.

Applications of 3D Printing Polymers

3D printing polymer materials have found applications in a wide range of industries. In healthcare, custom medical devices, prosthetics, and implants are created using biocompatible polymers. The aerospace and automotive sectors use polymers for lightweight yet durable components that reduce overall weight while maintaining strength.

In consumer goods, polymer materials enable the production of fashion accessories, home décor items, and even footwear. Additionally, the education sector has embraced 3D printing polymers to teach students about design, engineering, and manufacturing.

Future of 3D Printing Polymer Materials

As technology evolves, so does the development of 3D printing polymer materials. New materials with improved strength, flexibility, and sustainability are constantly emerging. This progress paves the way for even more innovative applications, from advanced medical solutions to cutting-edge automotive designs.

In conclusion, 3D printing polymer materials continue to expand the possibilities of additive manufacturing, making it accessible for various industries while offering a range of material properties that cater to diverse needs.

[nnctales]

Reinventing Infrastructure: The Role of Polymer Composites in Bridge Rehabilitation

Introduction Bridges are critical components of our transportation infrastructure, facilitating the smooth flow of goods and people. However, over time, these vital structures undergo wear and tear due to factors like heavy traffic, weathering, and aging. To address these challenges, engineers and researchers have been exploring innovative materials and techniques for bridge rehabilitation. One…

[medicaldevicesindustrynews]

Ceramic Substrates Market Will Reach USD 11,740.8 Million By 2030

In 2023, the ceramic substrates market was valued at USD 7,721.3 million. Forecasts indicate it will grow significantly, reaching USD 11,740.8 million by 2030, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% between 2024 and 2030. This growth of the industry can be credited to the increasing need for such materials in many sectors and the trend of the reduction of electronic…

[nasa]

Setting Sail to Travel Through Space: 5 Things to Know about our New Mission

Our Advanced Composite Solar Sail System will launch aboard Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket from the company’s Launch Complex 1 in Māhia, New Zealand no earlier than April 23, at 6 p.m. EDT. This mission will demonstrate the use of innovative materials and structures to deploy a next-generation solar sail from a CubeSat in low Earth orbit.

Here are five things to know about this upcoming mission:

1. Sailing on Sunshine

Solar sails use the pressure of sunlight for propulsion much like sailboats harness the wind, eliminating the need for rocket fuel after the spacecraft has launched. If all goes according to plan, this technology demonstration will help us test how the solar sail shape and design work in different orbits.

2. Small Package, Big Impact

The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft is a CubeSat the size of a microwave, but when the package inside is fully unfurled, it will measure about 860 square feet (80 square meters) which is about the size of six parking spots. Once fully deployed, it will be the biggest, functional solar sail system – capable of controlled propulsion maneuvers – to be tested in space.

3. Second NASA Solar Sail in Space

If successful, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System will be  the second NASA solar sail to deploy in space, and not only will it be much larger, but this system will also test navigation capabilities to change the spacecraft’s orbit. This will help us gather data for future missions with even larger sails.

4. BOOM: Stronger, Lighter Booms

Just like a sailboat mast supports its cloth sails, a solar sail has support beams called booms that provide structure. The Advanced Composite Solar Sail System mission’s primary objective is to deploy a new type of boom. These booms are made from flexible polymer and carbon fiber materials that are stiffer and 75% lighter than previous boom designs. They can also be flattened and rolled like a tape measure. Two booms spanning the diagonal of the square (23 feet or about 7 meters in length) could be rolled up and fit into the palm of your hand!

5. It’s a bird...it’s a plane...it’s our solar sail!

About one to two months after launch, the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft will deploy its booms and unfurl its solar sail. Because of its large size and reflective material, the spacecraft may be visible from Earth with the naked eye if the lighting conditions and orientation are just right!

To learn more about this mission that will inform future space travel and expand our understanding of our Sun and solar system, visit https://www.nasa.gov/mission/acs3/.

Make sure to follow us on Tumblr for your regular dose of space!

[superchemistryclasses]

From Molecules to Materials: Insights from Nature Chemistry Communications

Introduction The transformation of molecules into functional materials is at the heart of modern chemistry. From electronics to medicine, material science is revolutionizing industries by designing molecules that enhance performance, sustainability, and efficiency. Nature Chemistry Communications, a leading scientific journal, publishes groundbreaking research on molecular innovations that…

[beakers-and-telescopes]

OKAY THIS ARTICLE IS SO COOL

I'm going to try to explain this in a comprehensible way, because honestly it's wild to wrap your head around even for me, who has a degree in chemistry. But bear with me.

Okay, so. Solids, right? They are rigid enough to hold their shape, but aside from that they are quite variable. Some solids are hard, others are soft, some are brittle or rubbery or malleable. So what determines these qualities? And what creates the rigid structure that makes a solid a solid? Most people would tell you that it depends on the atoms that make up the solid, and the bonds between those atoms. Rubber is flexible because of the polymers it's made of, steel is strong because of the metallic bonds between its atoms. And this applies to all solids. Or so everybody thought.

A paper published in the journal Nature has discovered that biological materials such as wood, fungi, cotton, hair, and anything else that can respond to the humidity in the environment may be composed of a new class of matter dubbed "hydration solids". That's because the rigidity and solidness of the materials doesn't actually come from the atoms and bonds, but from the water molecules hanging out in between.

So basically, try to imagine a hydration solid as a bunch of balloons taped together to form a giant cube, with the actual balloon part representing the atoms and bonds of the material, and the air filling the balloons as the water in the pores of the solid. What makes this "solid" cube shaped? It's not because of the rubber at all, but the air inside. If you took out all the air from inside the balloons, the structure wouldn't be able to hold its shape.

Ozger Sahin, one of the paper's authors, said

"When we take a walk in the woods, we think of the trees and plants around us as typical solids. This research shows that we should really think of those trees and plants as towers of water holding sugars and proteins in place. It's really water's world."

And the great thing about this discovery (and one of the reasons to support its validity) is that thinking about hydration solids this way makes the math so so so much easier. Before this, if you wanted to calculate how water interacts with organic matter, you would need advanced computer simulations. Now, there are simple equations that you can do in your head. Being able to calculate a material's properties using basic physics principles is a really big deal, because so far we have only been able to do that with gasses (PV=nRT anyone?). Expanding that to a group that encompasses 50-90% of the biological world around us is huge.

[reasonsforhope]

"At the University of Maine, one of the world’s largest 3D printers is using sawdust from the state’s lumber industry to 3D print cozy wooden cabins.

It’s part of a move towards making 3D printing faster and more sustainable in a state where the housing shortage that has metastasized in most states around the country is dire.

It’s thought that 80,000 new homes will be needed over the next 5 years to keep pace with demand, and though it takes years for building codes to be changed, the technicians at the Advanced Structures & Composites Center (ASCC) at the Univ. of Maine hope their new toy can help address this need.

Guinness World Records certified the machine at ASCC as the world’s largest prototype polymer 3D printer, capable of creating a 600 square foot house 96 feet in length, 36 feet in width, and 18 feet tall entirely out of bio-based material at a rate of 500 pounds per hour.

In 2022, it could print the walls, floors, and roof of the house in just 96 hours, but the ACSS has been refining the design with the hope of doubling the printing speed and getting it down to a 48-hour timeline.

“When they’re doing concrete, they’re only printing the walls,” Habib Dagher, the executive director of ACSS told CNN. “The approach we’ve taken is quite different from what you’ve seen, and you’ve been reading about for years.”

Indeed, GNN has reported on a fair number of 3D printing projects, but most if not all involve printing only the walls. One fantastical exception is an Italian firm that is 3D-printing domed, beehive-like, modular concept homes inspired by the Great Enclosure in Zimbabwe.

STAND-OUT 3D-PRINTING PROJECTS: 

First 2-Story Home to be 3D Printed in the U.S. Reaches for the Sky in Texas 

The World’s Largest 3D Printed Building is a Horse Barn That Can Endure Florida Hurricanes

This 23-Year-Old Founder is 3D Printing Schools in Madagascar Aiming to be a ‘Stepping Stone’ for the Community

A Startup Is Using Recycled Plastic to 3D Print Tiny $25,000 Prefabricated Homes in LA

The ASCC is calling the house design the BioHome3D, and says it’s rare people who tour the concept version don’t ask when they “can have one up?”

The interior gives the feel of a modern Scandinavian wooden cabin, making it fit well with the Maine aesthetic. The ASCC is now doing work on how to incorporate conduits for wiring and plumbing “exactly where an architect would want them,” says Dagher.

WATCH a time-lapse video of the printer doing the job…

-via Good News Network, August 16, 2024. Video via The University of Maine, March 3, 2023.

[stellaspectral]

Can you do a Bayverse turtle tots story where they meet reader on Halloween, and the reader thinks they're wearing costumes, but when they find out they're ACTUALLY mutants, they think they're cool and still want to be friends with them.

A/N: Hey, anon—this is such a cute request! I assumed the reader is also a kid, so that’s how I wrote it 💖 I also have the boys already starting to wear their signature colors; I hope that's okay!

The Best Secret You’ll Ever Keep (fluff)

🟢 Bayverse Turtle Tots & Gender Neutral Reader 🟢

CWs: None.

The autumn air nips at your cheeks.

Leaves crunch satisfyingly under your feet as you walk down the street. Gap-toothed jack-o’-lanterns grin from porches draped in fake cobwebs and dangling plastic spiders. Fake witches and bats hang on doorways. Your bucket bumps against your leg, already heavy from a successful candy haul.

Dressed as your favorite character, you scan the sidewalk ahead, looking for the next decorated house with the lights on. Suddenly, a flash of movement catches your eye, followed by a muffled giggle and a thump. Curiosity leads you to a narrow, shadowed slit of an alley between two darkened houses.

Peeking around the corner, you freeze, jaw dropping.

Four figures huddle there, decked out in the most incredible turtle costumes you’ve ever laid eyes on. The detail is amazing: green skin that looks almost real, bulky shells on their backs, and colored masks tied to their heads. They even have realistic-looking toy weapons strapped to them.

“Whoa,” you exhale, stepping fully into the alley entrance, unable to contain your admiration. “Your costumes are insane! They look totally real!”

Startled, the four of them jump before spinning around to face you.

The one in the orange mask recovers first, breaking into a wide, toothy grin. “Thanks! Yours is pretty cool, too!” He gestures enthusiastically with a three-fingered hand towards your getup, then proudly holds up his own candy-filled pumpkin bucket, nearly identical to yours.

Purple Mask adjusts the pair of goggle-looking things perched on his forehead. “The material composition is top-notch! We used, um, special polymers for the skin texture. And the shell articulation is designed for maximum mobility.” He wiggles his shoulders, and the shell on his back shifts convincingly.

The one in the red mask, his own tied a little crooked and a pair of very realistic-looking toy sai tucked into his belt, scoffs. “Yeah, yeah, lay off the big words. They’re just gonna stand there gawkin’ all night and blow our cover!” He glares at you, clutching his own candy bucket. “What, never seen awesome costumes before?”

Blue Mask nudges him. “Hey, be nice. They’re just curious.” He offers you a small, reassuring smile, though his eyes are watchful. “They are pretty impressive, right? We take Halloween very seriously. What are you supposed to be?” He tilts his head, trying to get a better look at your costume.

You tell them which character you are and what they’re from. “My costume’s okay, but yours are on a whole other level! Especially the hands! How’d you even do the three fingers? Are they, like, super advanced gloves?” You inch a little closer, your gaze fixed on Orange Mask’s hand gripping his bucket. “And those weapons! They don’t look like cheap plastic. Are they real metal?”

“The hands are like, super-duper special effects. Top secret Hollywood stuff!” he answers, wiggling his three-fingered hand, the green skin flexing in a way that makes your brain hurt trying to figure it out. “And these?” He flourishes his nunchaku; it looks like it could actually do some damage. He does a fancy twirl, and the weapon thwacks against his leg. “Oof! Totally, uh, made of foam. Super safe!” Though he grins, he quickly rubs his thigh.

“Wow! Hollywood stuff?” Your eyes are wide with amazement. You’ve never seen anything like it. “Can I touch one of your shells? They look so hard and bumpy, not like those cheap plastic ones from the store.” You look expectantly at Blue Mask, who seems like the one in charge.

He looks at Purple, hesitating for a moment. “Uh, well, they’re kinda delicate.”

“Well, delicate may be underselling it,” Purple says. “The carapace is actually a fusion of bone plates connected to the skeleton, overlaid with keratinized scutes. It can withstand blunt force, though concentrated impacts could cause a fracture. Especially considering the unique accelerated growth patterns induced by our mutagenic …”

He stops abruptly. The alley seems to fall utterly silent, save for the distant sounds of other trick-or-treaters. Red facepalms with a groan. Orange winces, looking between Purple and you. Blue sighs.

“Nice goin’, doofus.” Red shoves Purple lightly. “Way to spill the beans.”

You stare, processing Purple’s rapid-fire explanation. Carapace? Keratinized? Mutagenic? These aren’t words used to describe costumes, even really good ones. Your eyes flick between the four of them, noticing the way their skin subtly shifts as they breathe, the glint in their eyes that seems too real, the impossibility of faking this level of detail.

Blue steps forward, placing a hand on Purple’s shoulder before looking directly at you. His expression is serious but not entirely unkind. “Okay, look,” he says, his voice low. “He got a little carried away. Truth is, these aren’t costumes.”

Red huffs, crossing his arms. “Yeah, what he said. We’re … different.”

Purple nods, while Orange just gives a slightly sheepish, hopeful grin.

A slow smile spreads across your face, wider and wider until it feels like it might split your cheeks. “Wait,” you breathe, eyes wide with wonder, not fear. “You mean—you’re real? Like, actually real mutant turtles?!”

The four of them tense, clearly bracing for screaming, running. Or maybe even fainting.

Instead, you bounce on the balls of your feet, nearly vibrating with excitement. “NO WAY! That is SO COOL! SO MUCH COOLER THAN COSTUMES!” You gesture wildly. “You’re like real-life comic book characters! Actual mutants! This is AMAZING!”

Orange’s nervous grin transforms into a beam of pure delight. “We’re ninjas, too.”

Questions pour out of you in an excited torrent. “Are those weapons real? Do you have a secret hideout? Who mutated you? Do you actually do ninjutsu? Can you climb walls?”

Blue holds up his hand. “Whoa, hey, slow down. One question at a time. Yes, we train in ninjutsu. Our weapons are training versions, mostly. And the rest, well, it’s a long story.”

“Yeah,” Red adds, though his tone is less aggressive now. “People don’t usually think we’re ‘cool’.” He still sounds slightly suspicious of the word.

“Well, I do,” you declare with absolute certainty, meeting each of their gazes. “This officially makes this the best Halloween in the history of Halloweens.” You hold out your candy bucket. “Want some candy? I scored a king-sized peanut butter cup back there, and I totally got three packs of those sour gummy worms.”

Orange’s eyes light up. “Awesome!” He eagerly trades you a handful of his own candy for a chocolate bar.

Purple politely accepts a small lollipop, Red grudgingly takes a piece of taffy, and Blue accepts a small pack of gummies with a grateful nod. Then you spend a few more minutes chatting in the alley’s shadows, learning their names. Although hesitant to share many details, their excitement about finding someone who isn’t afraid of them is obvious.

After a while, Leo straightens up. “Sorry. We should probably go soon—before Dad realizes we’re gone.”

“Awwww, already?” Mikey whines, stuffing a piece of candy into his mouth.

“Can I see you guys again?” you ask quickly, the words tumbling out in a rush of hope. “Please?”

Leo exchanges a look with his brothers. Raph gives a slight, almost imperceptible nod, as well as Donnie. Mikey gives you an eager thumbs-up. Leo then looks back at you. “Maybe. But it has to be a secret. A total secret. You can’t tell anyone about us. Not your parents, not your friends, nobody. Can you promise?”

“Cross my heart and hope to die,” you say, drawing an ‘X’ over your chest. “Are we … friends now?”

Mikey doesn’t hesitate, lunging forward to give you an enthusiastic hug. “Totally!”

“Gotta go!” Raph urges, already backing further into the alley.

“Farewell for now,” Leo says with a final nod.

“Indeed, until our next encounter,” Donnie adds.

After your quick goodbyes, they melt back into the deeper shadows of the alley, disappearing. You stand there for a moment. Tonight, you met real-life heroes, stranger and more wonderful than anything in comic books and movies. They think you’re okay.

And they want to be your friend!

You clutch your bucket handle tighter, a huge grin plastered on your face, and head back towards the street, wondering when—and where—you’ll meet your new, secret, totally awesome ninja turtle friends again.

[contemptible-scoundrel]

NO ONE EVER DRAWS THE WOMEN FROM TV WITH PENISES AND HAVING SEX WITH EACH OTHER!!!! RRRRAAAAGHHH!!!!! quickly fashions a crude but sturdy bludgeon from a tree branch and uses it to split a stone in two, allowing me to make more advanced tools such as chisels. using these tools I extract metal ore and construct a simple forge to refine it. I eventually progress technologically to the point where I have the means to manufacture a standard polymer frame 9mm handgun, which I then use to kill myself with a single shot to the temple