These Substances 'Defy the Laws' of Physics

This paragraph explores how we are accustomed to the predictable behavior of materials and phenomena in our macro world. It highlights how magicians, like David Copperfield, have amazed audiences by defying these expectations. However, it introduces the idea that genuine wonders exist in our world that do not rely on magic tricks, such as liquids flowing upwards and other astonishing phenomena.

This section introduces the PDMS SSIP BNB polymer, which can self-repair without losing its original properties or needing external intervention. Developed by Tianjin University scientists, this polymer can regenerate in various environments, making it valuable for robotics, aviation, and automotive industries. The paragraph also explores the potential of this material for self-repairing electronics.

This paragraph discusses the discovery of graphene by two Moscow State University graduates using adhesive tape. Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer with exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity, and it is 100 times stronger than steel. The paragraph highlights graphene's potential applications in electronics, optoelectronics, chemical sensors, and energy storage systems.

This section describes Line-X, a durable spray-on protective coating made from a two-component polyurethane. Line-X offers high adhesion, chemical resistance, and abrasion resistance, making it suitable for protecting various surfaces. The paragraph emphasizes Line-X's ability to withstand extreme forces, such as ax blows and heavyweights, without damage.

This paragraph delves into the history and properties of aerogel, a material consisting of a three-dimensional nano grid filled with air. Discovered in the 1930s by Samuel Stevens Kistler, aerogel is incredibly lightweight and an excellent insulator. It highlights its use in applications requiring lightweight and insulating materials, such as space exploration and protective gear.

This section discusses the creation of graphene aerogel by Chinese experts, combining the strength of graphene and the lightness of aerogel. Graphene aerogel is the world's lightest solid material, with a density of only 0.16 mg per cubic centimeter. The paragraph explores its potential applications in catalysis, desalination, filtration, and separation technologies.

This paragraph narrates the story of Starlight, a polymer with unparalleled thermal insulation properties, created by hairdresser Maurice Ward. Despite its potential for space exploration and other industries, Ward never revealed the secret of Starlight, leaving its exact composition a mystery. The material can protect against extreme temperatures with only a thin layer.

This section explores nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy with shape-memory properties. Nitinol can return to its original shape when heated. Its applications span across medicine, aerospace, and aviation, including bone fixators, self-sealing joints, and variable geometry air intake devices. The paragraph explains the alloy's transformation between austenite and martensite structures.

This paragraph introduces dry water, a substance that looks like water but behaves differently. Composed of perfluoro two parts methyl three parts pentanone, dry water doesn't wet surfaces and has excellent insulating properties. Its applications include fire suppression in sensitive environments like server rooms and museums, where it can prevent damage to electronics and documents.

This section describes ferromagnetic liquids, which contain iron nanoparticles and respond to magnetic fields. These liquids form mesmerizing shapes when interacting with magnets. Originally developed by NASA for delivering liquid fuel in zero gravity, ferromagnetic liquids are now used in optics, electronics, and adaptive suspensions for supercars.

This paragraph explains the phenomenon of pyrolytic graphite, a diamagnetic material that can levitate over magnets. Pyrolytic graphite generates a magnetic field opposing an external magnetic field, allowing it to hover. The paragraph emphasizes the unique properties of pyrolytic graphite and its potential applications in stable levitation without superconductors.

This section explores gallium, a rare metal that pulsates when exposed to sulfuric acid and potassium dichromate. The pulsation results from the metal's properties and interactions with these chemicals. Gallium's applications include creating chemical timers, micro valves, mini pumps, and its use in medicine and electronics.

This paragraph discusses helium-2, a superfluid with zero viscosity created by cooling liquid helium to 2.17 Kelvin or lower. Helium-2 can permeate ceramics with tiny pores and demonstrates unique properties, such as forming a rolling film on container walls. The paragraph highlights the challenges of storing helium-2 and its intriguing behavior at ultra-low temperatures.

This section introduces europium, a rare earth metal with unique bonding properties that make it valuable for developing red LEDs and anti-counterfeiting measures in the European currency. The paragraph emphasizes europium's ability to bond with multiple atoms, making it suitable for various applications in photonics and security.

This paragraph explores hydrophobic coatings, which create non-wettable surfaces that repel liquids. The Lotus effect, seen in nature with lotus leaves, is replicated in artificial materials through micron and nano-sized texturing. These coatings keep surfaces clean and dry, with applications in various industries, from textiles to construction.

This section explains hot ice, a supersaturated solution of sodium acetate that crystallizes and releases heat when triggered. Hot ice is used in hand warmers and can be used to create warm ice sculptures. The paragraph also contrasts hot ice with bulletproof glass, which can protect against gunfire while allowing return fire.

This paragraph describes how inhaling sulfur hexafluoride, a dense gas, lowers the pitch of a person's voice. The gas's high density affects vocal cord vibrations, creating a deeper sound. The paragraph also mentions the gas's ability to make lightweight objects float, demonstrating its unique physical properties.

This section introduces the Celtic stone, a toy that changes its spin direction due to its asymmetric mass distribution. When spun clockwise, the stone wobbles and reverses direction, demonstrating classical mechanics principles. The paragraph highlights the ingenuity of ancient Celts in creating such a toy.

This paragraph discusses the gomboc, a mathematical roly-poly object that always returns to equilibrium without any internal weights. Hungarian mathematicians solved the complex problem of creating such an object, which has only one stable and one unstable equilibrium point. The gomboc's shape results from precise topological calculations.