Plasteel, Plascrete and Densiplast

[Golan2072]

A staple of science fiction in the recent decades is the notion of "plasteel", that is, (presumably) an organic polymer or a combination of such polymers possesing enough tensile strength, hardness, resistance to corrosion/heat and so on to be a viable substitute for metal (or concrete) in certain types of construction and manufacturing. Now, having studied a course or two in organic chemistry at the college, I know that contemporary technology allows the production of a wide variety of hydrocrbon-based polimers, with greatly varying characteristics, up to and including adding good electric conductivity to plastics; however, in terms of material engineering I'm far less educated. My question is: is there today, or could it be projected in the near future with the required characteristics to be "plasteel", "plascrete" or "densiplast" as portraid in common sci-fi?

 

[atpollard]

The older definition of "PLASTIC" means able to be shaped. So "plasteel", "plascrete" or "densiplast could also be inorganic. I think the critical concept is that with this magic substance walls and floors and columns can be extruded allowing large durable structures to be built quickly and inexpensively.

 

[Black Globe Generator]

Originally posted by atpollard:
The older definition of "PLASTIC" means able to be shaped. So "plasteel", "plascrete" or "densiplast could also be inorganic. I think the critical concept is that with this magic substance walls and floors and columns can be extruded allowing large durable structures to be built quickly and inexpensively.

What an interesting interpretation. Cool.

 

[ravells]

Found this on the web:

Although the word is most associated with Herbert and Dune, Harlan Ellison used it first in Run for the Stars, published in 1957.

The word "plasteel" predates the Dune novels (and Ellison's work). During World War II, aluminum was not available to civilians, due to its importance to the war effort. For certain applications, like steel ice trays, some form of metal was needed that did not rust. Manufacturers used steel coated with plastic to prevent rusting; the combination was called "plasteel" by the company that patented the process in the early 1940's - Plasteel, Inc.

 

[Sifu Blackirish]

IMTU star-faring reptiles use a plastic-ceramic sandwic for hulls. Somewhat laser reflective and naturaly stealthy, it gave the Terrans fits.

Nice to see my half-baked concept actually has some sort of root in reality...

 

[Golan2072]

So, basically, are we talking about high-durability complex materials (e.g. combinations of fibers with epoxy), about high-tech organic polymers, about high-tech ceramics or a combination of all of the above?

 

[Liam Devlin]

IMTU I defined "plasteel" as the next generation up from the bullet proof glass polymer used in US Military vehicles today, a TL-10+ clear plastic, with the strength of steel. Generally speaking, it was a Zero-gee manufactured material, spun with steel into its mixture.

"Plascrete" was a ready-mix of pourable/ durable polymers andmetal fibers, again, a zero-Gee product TL9+, sold by the pallet-load in 25Kg sacks of a dry-to semi slurry consistency (then packaged in 5 gallon tubs) which could be poured into molds for fast and easy construction--namely, starport landing pads. generally when 'set', it had a no-slip pebbly surface.

"Densiplast"--a term I am unfamiliar with, or the places where it is mentioned. I can safely say though, I have used these definitions for MTU to some satisfaction.

 

[Arthur Denger]

If this is the substance I think you are describing, "plascrete" had existed prior to Year -2520 (2000 AD) on Terra, where it was known in the vernacular at that time as "concrete patch" or "concrete resurfacer": a dry powder mix composed of acrylic, polyvinyl cloride or other polymer compounds and minerals. When mixed in the proper ratio of water to mix, it set to a concrete consistency, but had improved adhesion and bonding characteristics, shrinkage compensation, and was much tougher and more resistant to cracking with time and exposure to the elements.

 

[Black Globe Generator]

From the glossary of Frank Herbert's Dune:

"PLASTEEL: steel which has been stabilized with stravidium fibers grown into its crystal structure."

 

[atpollard]

Originally posted by Black Globe Generator:
From the glossary of Frank Herbert's Dune:
"PLASTEEL: steel which has been stabilized with stravidium fibers grown into its crystal structure."

So what properties makes PLASTEEL different from any other steel alloy? Why not just say "STEEL"?

This is 100 percent pure techno-babble. All fluff and no substance. What was Mr. Herbert thinking when he defined a new substance (whose name suggests a combination of the words PLASTic and STEEL) as steel with a “handwavium” element that exhibits no new properties or special uses than any other steel?

How very disappointing.

 

[sgbrown]

Originally posted by atpollard:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by Black Globe Generator:
From the glossary of Frank Herbert's Dune:
"PLASTEEL: steel which has been stabilized with stravidium fibers grown into its crystal structure."

So what properties makes PLASTEEL different from any other steel alloy? Why not just say "STEEL"?

This is 100 percent pure techno-babble. All fluff and no substance. What was Mr. Herbert thinking when he defined a new substance (whose name suggests a combination of the words PLASTic and STEEL) as steel with a “handwavium” element that exhibits no new properties or special uses than any other steel?

How very disappointing. </font>[/QUOTE]I prefer the ever popular Duralloy my self. Equally techno-babble and nondescript to boot. Just an nod to the concept that we'll probably come up with a more durable metal alloy of some sort with the particular properties the writer needs in the plot.

For steel, I want the clear stuff! That's what the Crysteel or crystal steel brings to my mind - but alas its often used for referring to steel with a "perfect" crystal lattice (that would be just iron - not sure what the properties with a "perfect" lattice would be - but as long as we're in techno-babble land that sounds good to most folks.)