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Scientists develop a strong and durable material that is ideal for space travel.
Scientists from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) recently announced their invention of the latest version of ceramic aerogel. This material has been used since the 1900s to protect scientific equipment, such as those used in NASA’s missions. The new ceramic aerogel is made of more than 99% air that is stored in a net made of a solid material. It weighs marginally more than air and can survive extreme temperatures.
To determine the material’s strength and durability, scientists put it through a battery of tests. They exposed the aerogel to varying temperatures that ranged from negative 198 degrees Celsius to 900 degrees Celsius within a few seconds. It was also left in a very hot container for a week.
In another test, scientists compressed the aerogel to 5% of its original size. When it was released, the material returned to its original size. In all the tests, the new ceramic aerogel kept its strength and outperformed its previous versions.
Scientists believe that the process of making the new ceramic aerogel can be used to create other similar lightweight and strong materials. The material’s lightness, resistance to extreme temperatures, and ability to withstand pressure, make it a good material to be used in spaceships.
In addition to spaceships, the material can also serve as protection for construction equipment and cars. It can also be used for soundproofing. Since it can also hold energy, the ceramic aerogel can be made into new batteries that can store a lot of energy.