German scientists from Kiel University and the Hamburg University of Technology have created the world’s lightest material, aerographite — a material six times lighter than air and 5,000 times less dense than water. This experiment shows the material Aerographite attracted by a charged polymer rod.

Aerographite is a mesh of carbon tubes that are interwoven at the micro and nano-scale level. The Germans created it by putting zinc oxide crystals in special ovens and then heating them to 900 degrees Celsius. It could be used for computer laptops and protective shielding for satellites as well as waterproofing clothes.

One of the scientists explained “If you wanted to have one kilogram of this material it would be five cubic metres large. That means a one square metre base, which goes five metres up in the air like a house or tower – that would be one kilogram.” Very cool.

Source: Euronews