Gastronomic-Paradise

Plastic material now makes metal less preferable in competition

Scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology are crafting innovative polymer materials, the properties of which may soon surpass those of conventional metals.

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2025 September 7 . 7:39 PM

1 min read

Revised Metal Performance Matching That of Plastic

Plastic material now makes metal less preferable in competition

In an exciting breakthrough, researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made significant strides in material science. Two separate innovations have been developed, one a new plastic with exceptional heat conductivity and the other, a metal-free catalyst.

Firstly, a new thin plastic has been created that boasts a heat conductivity of 60 watts per meter and Kelvin, outperforming steel (50 watts) and setting a new standard in the industry. The plastic's structure was ordered and aligned by cooling it quickly with liquid nitrogen and stretching it. This innovative material, based on a polyethylene powder, is expected to find its first deployments in microprocessors and the automotive industry.

Meanwhile, the development of a new catalyst marks another milestone at MIT. This catalyst, free of precious metals, is a significant departure from traditional catalysts. While the specific process used to develop the new catalyst remains undisclosed, it is clear that it will play a crucial role in various industries in the future. The researchers at MIT aim to replace metal completely with plastic in the future, a prospect that promises to revolutionise technology.

In a separate development, MIT has also created a polymer-based hydrogel with enhanced water vapor absorption capacity. This innovative material was developed by structuring its surface into small dome patterns resembling bubble wrap, coating it with a cooling polymer film, and embedding it in a glass chamber to efficiently condense atmospheric moisture into drinking water.

These material innovations are just a few of the many advancements being researched at MIT. The cost and availability of the new plastic and catalyst are yet to be announced, but their potential applications are vast. From improving the efficiency of microprocessors to revolutionising water purification systems, these innovations are set to make a significant impact in the coming years.