Originally posted by: So
Originally posted by: eLiu
diamond is THE hardest substance
Not even close to true. It's the hardest known naturally occuring substance. We've already made harder materials.
I would have to say a
Boron Carbide mix. One of the most publicised is Boralyn
NEW METAL BORALYN ENTERS THE MARKET
A new boron carbide metal matrix known as Boralyn has been introduced to the market. The metal, which is patented by Alyn Corp., Costa Mesa, Calif., is currently being used for sporting goods and commercial and industrial applications. Specific applications include bicycle components, golf clubs, automobile and engine structures, neutron shielding components and wheelchairs.
About 20,000 pounds of the material is currently being made a month. Boralyn is stiffer and lighter than aluminum, harder than steel, extremely fracture resistant, and much more predictable than carbon fiber or ceramic composites, according to Robin Carden, president of Alyn. The metal is available in cast ingots and extrusions.
"Boralyn costs about three times as much as aluminum 7000, and is about three-fourths the price of titanium," says Carden. "It has properties similar to titanium, but is easier to weld and costs less. We expect major applications in the aircraft industry."