Caltech Materials Scientists Are Creating Materials By
Design
Imagine a balloon that could float without using any
lighter-than-air gas. Instead, it could simply have all of its air sucked out
while maintaining its filled shape. Such a vacuum balloon, which could help
ease the world's current shortage of helium, can only be made if a new material
existed that was strong enough to sustain the pressure generated by forcing out
all that air while still being lightweight and flexible.