Anti–Shock, Anti–Heat

Scientists from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Japan have invented a shock–resistant material that can withstand extremely high temperatures. Researchers hope that this invention could be used in the engines of spacecrafts and cars to prevent them from heating.

The material made out of carbon can flow and stretch slowly like thick honey and would spring back to its original form. It looks like a metal sponge and its structure consists of trillions of entangled nanotubes that make it sturdy. According to the scientists, the carbon nanotubes were grown in a mixture of silicon, iron and water. These tubes have a diameter of 5 nanometres (one nanometre is the billionth of a metre) and it can retain its form and function within the temperature range of -196^° and 1000° C in an oxygen–free environment.

Inventors swear by its resilience and are confident that it would help in designing engines and fuel tanks for spacecrafts, rockets and cars.