Steel is regarded as one of the strongest metal alloys, used in everything from buildings to vehicles to machines, and more. But, a new report shows another common alloy may be stronger than steel, given the right conditions.
According to a report by Science News, Scientists have discovered a way to modify lead’s physical properties by exposing it to 160 high-powered lasers. These lasers were able to rapidly compress the lead sample, exposing it to pressures similar to what’s found within the Earth’s core, and making it stronger in the process.
The tests were performed at the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California. Amazingly, during this process, the lead became 250 times stronger than before it was exposed to an enormous amount of pressure. This extremely dense lead was also rated as being roughly ten times stronger than high-strength steel.
Source: IGN.com Scientists Report Lead is Actually Stronger Than Steel