UConn Scientists Develop New Material Five Times Lighter and Four Times Stronger Than Steel

  Scientists from the University of Connecticut, in collaboration with researchers from Columbia University and Brookhaven National Lab, have successfully created a new material that is five times lighter and four times stronger than steel. This remarkable breakthrough holds immense potential for revolutionizing various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical equipment. The research team utilized an unconventional combination of DNA and glass as the building blocks for their material. By constructing a structure using self-assembling DNA and coating it with a thin layer of glass, they achieved a material with exceptional strength and low density. Although glass is typically fragile, the flawlessness of the nano-sized glass used in this study allowed it to withstand immense pressure, making it a suitable component for a strong and lightweight material. The DNA skeleton acted as a reinforcement for the glass coating, creating a framework similar to scaffolding, while the majority of the material volume consisted of empty space. This unique design resulted in a nanolattice structure that possesses an unprecedented combination of strength and lightness. While the researchers acknowledge that further research is needed, they are already exploring the use of even stronger ceramics in place of glass. The potential applications of this material are vast, ranging from durable body armor and advanced medical devices to safer and more efficient vehicles and aircraft.