Japan develops steel that stays strong flexible in cold
A research team in Japan has developed a technology to make steel that is
strong and flexible at low temperatures with potential for use on ships.
The steel, newly developed by a team led by the head researcher at the
Japan’s National Institute for Materials Science, Yuji Kimura, can absorb
shocks up to six times as strong as that of conventional steel.
The phenomenon of steel becoming brittle at low temperatures is believed to
be the reason why the Titanic sunk after hitting an iceberg.
It is hoped the new technology will pave the way for lighter, more
energy-efficient ships and will increase the safety of bolts.
The development was published in the U.S. magazine. This results in a
microstructure similar to bamboo that is difficult to break, making the
steel highly resistant to shock