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Pye-Rate · Starship Co-Pilot Joined: 14 Dec 2013 Posts: 625

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A metal composite that will (literally) float your boat!

Bud Brewster · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 10:32 pm Post subject:

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One technological innovation that would truly change the world would be a metal that was stronger than diamonds but lighter than aluminum.

We're not quite there yet, but this is a step in the right direction. Here's how this new metal is described.
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Researchers have demonstrated a new metal matrix composite that is so light that it can float on water. A boat made of such lightweight composites will not sink despite damage to its structure. The new material also promises to improve automotive fuel economy because it combines light weight with heat resistance.
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The brilliant thing about this stuff is that even though the material itself is no stronger than the magnesium alloy it's mostly made of, the structure is reinforced with hollow particles made of silicon carbide.

In other words, it's stronger because it isn't solid. That's why this stuff has a lower density than water!

Cool. Cool

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Is there no man on Earth who has the wisdom and innocence of a child?
~ The Space Children (1958)