High-Strengh Materials from the Pressure Cooker

A Surprise in Materials Chemistry: At Vienna University of Technology, materials for lightweight construction, protective clothing or sports equipment can be produced at high temperatures and high pressures. This process is faster, better and more eco-friendly than other techniques. The earth's crust works like a pressure cooker. Minerals typically do not form under standard conditions, but at high temperatures and pressures. However, an environment of extreme heat and pressure has been considered to be absolutely unsuitable for organic molecules. Scientists at Vienna University of Technology found out that under such seemingly hostile conditions, organic materials with remarkable material properties can be synthesized - for instance Kevlar, an extremely versatile high-performance material. Steam Instead of Toxins - It seems counterintuitive: one might expect large, complex organic molecules to be destroyed by heat and high pressure.