New Metal Material is So Light it Floats on Water

Can you imagine metal that's so light that it floats on water? Scientists have created just that. They've engineered a new metal matrix composite that is so light that it can float on water. In fact, a boat made of the material wouldn't sink even if damage was done to its structure.

Although syntactic foams have been around for many years, this is the first development of a lightweight metal matrix syntactic foam. More specifically, it's a magnesium alloy matrix composite that's reinforced with silicon carbide hollow particles and has a density of only .92 grams per cubic centimeter compared to 1.0 g/cc of water. Not only does it have a density lower than that of water, it's strong enough to withstand the rigorous conditions faced in the marine environment.

In recent years, researchers have focused on creating lightweight polymer matrix composites to replace heavier metal-based components in automobiles and marine vessels. This latest effort may have succeeded in doing just that.

"This new development of very light metal matrix composites can swing the pendulum back in favor of metallic materials," said Nikhil Gupta, one of the researchers, in a news release. "The ability of metals to withstand higher temperatures can be a huge advantage for these composites in engine and exhaust components, quite apart from structural parts."

The new material captures the lightness of foams, but also adds strength. The secret is that it's made of a matrix of a magnesium alloy that's then turned into a foam by adding strong, lightweight silicon carbide hollow spheres. A single sphere's shell can withstand pressure of over 25,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) before it ruptures.

The new material could be huge for use in both ships and cars. With that said, it will be quite some time before you see this technology being used on the market.

The findings are published in the International Journal of Impact Engineering.

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