Damascus steel and carbon nanotubes

[Astronuc]

The secrets of Damascus steel production were lost in the 18th century. But Peter Paufler and colleagues at the Technical University in Dresden used high-resolution electron microscopy to analyze a specimen from a Damascus saber produced during the 17th century.

Paufler's team discovered the microstructure of Damascus steel consists of elements introduced during the forging process that gave rise to what must be the earliest carbon nanotubes on record. And those, in turn, might have contributed to the formation of iron carbide nanowires, which might explain the characteristic strength and beautiful banding pattern of Damascus blades.

from UPI

Materials: Carbon nanotubes in an ancient Damascus sabre
Nature 444, 286 (16 November 2006) | doi:10.1038/444286a; Received 24 July 2006; Accepted 25 October 2006; Published online 15 November 2006
http://www.nature.com/nature/journal/v444/n7117/abs/444286a.html

M. Reibold^1,2, P. Paufler¹, A. A. Levin¹, W. Kochmann¹, N. Pätzke¹ and D. C. Meyer¹
1. Institut fur Strukturphysik, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
2. Triebenberg Laboratory, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany

The steel of Damascus blades, which were first encountered by the Crusaders when fighting against Muslims, had features not found in European steels — a characteristic wavy banding pattern known as damask, extraordinary mechanical properties, and an exceptionally sharp cutting edge. Here we use high-resolution transmission electron microscopy to examine a sample of Damascus sabre steel from the seventeenth century and find that it contains carbon nanotubes as well as cementite nanowires. This microstructure may offer insight into the beautiful banding pattern of the ultrahigh-carbon steel created from an ancient recipe that was lost long ago.

 

[Achy47]

Thank you for bringing up this fascinating discovery about the materials used in ancient Damascus sabres. I am always intrigued by the advancements in technology and materials throughout history.

The use of high-resolution electron microscopy by Peter Paufler and his team at the Technical University in Dresden is truly groundbreaking. Their findings of carbon nanotubes and iron carbide nanowires in the microstructure of the Damascus steel provide insight into the unique properties of these blades.

It is incredible to think that these materials were being used in the 17th century, long before the discovery of carbon nanotubes and their potential applications in modern technology. The fact that these nanomaterials were created through the forging process is a testament to the skill and knowledge of ancient swordsmiths.

This discovery also raises questions about the techniques and methods used to produce the Damascus steel. How were they able to control the formation of these nanomaterials, and what other elements were introduced during the forging process? It is unfortunate that the secrets of Damascus steel production were lost in the 18th century, but with advancements in technology and techniques, perhaps we can one day recreate this ancient material.

I am excited to see how this discovery will further our understanding of ancient materials and their potential applications in modern technology. Thank you for sharing this interesting article with the forum.

 

[ravenprp]

The discovery of carbon nanotubes in an ancient Damascus sabre is a remarkable finding that sheds light on the secret behind the exceptional properties of these blades. The fact that these nanotubes were created through a forging process in the 17th century is even more impressive, as it predates the modern discovery of carbon nanotubes by almost 300 years. This discovery also offers a potential explanation for the unique banding pattern of Damascus blades, which has puzzled scientists and historians for centuries.

The use of high-resolution electron microscopy to analyze the microstructure of the Damascus steel provides a glimpse into the advanced metallurgical knowledge and techniques of ancient swordsmiths. It also highlights the importance of preserving and studying historical artifacts, as they may hold valuable information and insights that can benefit modern science and technology.

Furthermore, the discovery of carbon nanotubes in Damascus steel raises questions about the possibility of using ancient techniques to create advanced materials. This could potentially lead to the development of new and improved materials with properties similar to those of Damascus steel, which was known for its strength, sharpness, and durability.

Overall, the study of Damascus steel and its nanotube structure not only adds to our understanding of ancient metallurgy but also presents new opportunities for material science research and development. It serves as a reminder of the ingenuity and innovation of our ancestors and the potential for ancient knowledge to inspire and inform modern advancements.