Time programming of material’s properties via self-irradiation phenomena

We consider theoretically programming of ageing processes in materials over large time intervals via the introduction of small quantities of unstable nuclei in a material’s structure. Incorporation of minuscule amounts of radio-active species (e.g. carbon-14, tritium) in the structure of polymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, can be used for presetting self-decomposition of plastic products to a certain term. Radio-decay of unstable nuclei embedded in conductive polymers and dielectrics might enable the design of electrical resistors and capacitors with time-dependent characteristics. Relaxation of internal mechanical stresses, amorphization and swelling driven by self-irradiation can be used for programming configurations of mechanical systems over large terms (from years to thousands of years). Implementations of the time-programmed materials and their possible applications are discussed.