UCLA researchers have published a paper in Nature outlining a new material, one that's got the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any material ever created. The compound comes from alloying magnesium with silicon carbide nanofibers, strengthening the light-weight pliable metal into a rigid, strong material.
The team says the material production is scalable, with possible applications in aerospace. By turning the normally malleable metal into a material lighter than titanium or other lightweight metals while also matching the strength needed to compete. It can also withstand high temperatures, another factor that could make it a new rocket body material of choice.