World’s Lightest Solid Takes Inspiration from the Eiffel Tower

Maddi Sunshine
Dr. Boyd
Biology 1-2 Honors
World’s Lightest Solid Takes Inspiration from the Eiffel Tower
Summary:
A metallic lattice of hair-thin pipes is now the lightest solid yet to be created; it is less dense then air according to scientists. The lightest substance in the world until now has been aerogels which can reach densities of 1 milligram per cubic centimeter, which make them less dense than air at room temperature and sea level. When you look at the Eiffel Tower and the Golden Gate Bridge for example they are extremely large but strong structures. These scientists want to achieve the same thing as this by advancing the structures of materials. The researchers started with a liquid photopolymer, the properties of the molecule change when exposed to light. They shined different patterns of ultraviolet on the photopolymer, which made a three dimensional lattice and then coated it with a thick film of metal. The lattice is 99.99% open volume and the walls of the tube range from 100 to 500 nanometers or billionths of a meter thick which is 1,000 times thinner than human hair.
Critique & Impact:
This is a huge addition to our architectural world. This is will make us be able to create much larger structures with even lighter weight.
Reference: http://news.yahoo.com/worlds-lightest-solid-takes-inspiriation-eiffel-tower-134809070.html