Beyond the elements to develop something indestructible
Engineers have created super-strong glass, rubber, and plastic—but at what cost?
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Fred Vigeant
Picking up where he left off in NOVA’s popular special, Hunting the Elements, David Pogue sets out on a worldwide quest to find the key molecules and chemical reactions that have paved the way for human civilization, life, and even the universe as we know it. And along the way, he uncovers the simple principles that produce such a dizzying diversity of matter from elements on the periodic table.
In this week’s episode of Beyond the Elements, Scientists have created virtually indestructible versions of glass, rubber, and plastic. But are they too tough?
As the environmental impact of the quest for durability becomes clear, scientists look for ways to maintain utility but minimize harm.
Watch Beyond the Elements: Indestructible on NOVA Wednesday February 10 at 9:00pm on WITF. Beyond the Elements is available for on-demand viewing via the PBS Video app.