The Search for Vibranium: A Quest for the Ultimate Material on Our Own Planet
Vibranium, the mysterious and indestructible metal found only in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, is more than just a plot device for superhero movies – it’s a symbol of ultimate power and strength.
To be honest, If I was the Queen of Wakanda I will also gatekeep this resource. This is me embracing my villain self!
First introduced in the 1966 comic book “Tales of Suspense #39,” vibranium has been a key component of the Marvel Universe for decades. This fictional metal is said to be capable of absorbing all vibrations and kinetic energy that comes into contact with it, making it virtually indestructible.
In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, vibranium is found in the African nation of Wakanda, which has used the metal to develop advanced technology and weapons. The most famous vibranium-based weapon is the indestructible shield wielded by Captain America, which has been a key part of the superhero’s arsenal since his debut in 1941.
But vibranium isn’t just useful for creating bulletproof shields – it’s also been used to create advanced medical equipment, energy weapons, and even musical instruments. In the MCU, vibranium has even been shown to have healing properties when used in small doses.
Despite its destructive potential, vibranium remains one of the most coveted substances in the Marvel Universe, and its uses and capabilities continue to be explored in the comics and movies. So whether you’re a superhero looking for the ultimate weapon or just a fan of all things indestructible, vibranium is definitely a metal worth paying attention to.
These characteristics Vibranium possess excites me as a Material scientist. Two distinct characteristics stuck out for me; the ability to absorb energy and its healing capabilities. So I started my search for a real-life Vibranium or something closer!
First of all, there are no known real-world metals that have healing properties like vibranium. Some metals, such as copper and silver, have antimicrobial properties and have been used in the past to help prevent the spread of infections. However, there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that these or any other metals have the ability to heal injuries or diseases. There are a number of alternative therapies that claim to use metals or minerals for their healing properties, but the effectiveness of these treatments has not been scientifically proven.
Sibrina Collins, a chemist at the Marburger STEM Center at Lawrence Technological University, compares vibranium to platinum due to its healing ability. It is a part of some drugs used to treat cancer, such as cisplatin.
The most notable ability that vibranium has is its ability to absorb waves of energy and other vibrations and release that same energy. Obviously, this is somewhat far fetched for a metal to do within the laws of physics – Emtek
There is no known process or technology that would allow us to create a real-world material with these properties. However, scientists and engineers are constantly developing new materials and technologies, and it is possible that we may one day discover or create materials with properties that are similar to those of vibranium. For example, researchers are currently exploring the use of graphene.
James Kakalios, a physics, and astronomy professor at the University of Minnesota proposes Graphene; an ultra-thin form of carbon; about an atom thick. A test by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences says one square meter of graphene would be enough to hold up a cat that weighs 4kg, but only weigh as much as one of its whiskers and be virtually invisible!
While graphene does not have the ability to absorb vibrations and kinetic energy as vibranium does in the Marvel Universe, it is a promising material with a number of unique properties that may have practical applications in the future.
So no vibranium shields or indestructible suits for us mere mortals. Maybe, we are looking in the wrong places. After all, Vibranium wasn’t found on earth, it was brought to earth by a meteorite!
“Are you thinking what I am thinking?” “I think so, Brain!” Space Mining! This might be our chance to find our Vibranium!
