A new magnesium-foam composite can withstand high temperatures and intense pressures—all while staying light as a sponge
A new composite that blends titanium and foam has the durability of magnesium with the weight of a sponge. It can withstand forces of 25,000 pounds per square inch, and has a higher temperature threshold than other lightweight materials thanks to the presence of metals. Oh, and it floats on water.
The new material is syntactic, meaning that a series of air bubbles are inserted in production to make it even lighter without sacrificing structural integrity. Nikhil Guptaof NYU Polytechnic University and Deep Springs Technology developed the supermaterial, and describes its production in a paper recently accepted by theInternational Journal of Impact Engineering.
The metal composite could be a game changer for marine vessels and shipping. Its properties would make it ideal for not only a ship's hull, but also for engine parts and other high-heat environments. The lighter weight could bring down overall fuel costs, improving efficiency in marine transport and reducing its carbon footprint.
A new composite that blends titanium and foam has the durability of magnesium with the weight of a sponge. It can withstand forces of 25,000 pounds per square inch, and has a higher temperature threshold than other lightweight materials thanks to the presence of metals. Oh, and it floats on water.
The new material is syntactic, meaning that a series of air bubbles are inserted in production to make it even lighter without sacrificing structural integrity. Nikhil Guptaof NYU Polytechnic University and Deep Springs Technology developed the supermaterial, and describes its production in a paper recently accepted by theInternational Journal of Impact Engineering.
The metal composite could be a game changer for marine vessels and shipping. Its properties would make it ideal for not only a ship's hull, but also for engine parts and other high-heat environments. The lighter weight could bring down overall fuel costs, improving efficiency in marine transport and reducing its carbon footprint.
Source: Motherboard