Molecules and masks - The chemistry of superheroes: Batman - Minerva

When we think about science fiction films, we are often struck by the most evocative scenes full of special effects.

We've all worn a cape or mask of our favorite superheroes. And you are Marvel or DC team?

This article will be the first in a series that will explore the world of superhero comics and movies from a scientific perspective. We will discover together how much science, and above all how much about chemistry, hides behind this fascinating universe.

IN SEARCH OF REAL POWERS

For decades, superheroes have fascinated millions of people around the world. Through comics, films and television series, these iconic figures embody ideals of justice, courage and altruism. However, behind the cloaks and masks lies an even more fascinating world: that of science.

Obviously we're always talking about science fiction, you're having a good time: even in small gaps and gray areas, science fills in the blanks!

Superheroes have been given superpowers that allow them to perform surprising or seemingly impossible actions. But it really is? Are such “impossible” powers really, or in nature there are phenomena that are somehow similar to these faculties? Yet we don't realize it, but some of the most iconic scenes and some of these powers might actually have a scientific description, even if exalted and romanticized some times more than reality.

In this series of articles we will try to address together the chemistry behind superheroes, how much true or false there is behind this world!

THE CHEMISTRY BEHIND BATMAN'S COSTUME

In this first article of our series dedicated to superhero chemistry, we will explore one of the most famous vigilantes in the comic book universe: Batman. Why Batman? My favorite hero, I should still have archive photos where I showed off my costume at carnival, but better not to be too impressed. My childhood superhero is known for his intelligence, his courage and ability to deal with crime without possessing any superpowers.

His famous response in the DC film "Justice League": “What is your superpower? -I'm rich.”

Owner of Wayne Industries, la Wayne Tower, Wayne Manor, the very rich Bruce can afford all the super-technological "toys"..

And so you will ask yourself: what does chemistry have to do with Batman?

Batman is therefore notable for his lack of superpowers, relying instead on physical training and, naturally, to a series of advanced technological tools. One of the key elements that contribute to his iconic image is his costume, known for its extraordinary strength and durability. In this article, we will explore the chemistry behind the main material of Batman's costume.

Batman (Christian Bale) in the movie The Dark Knight

Batman's costume, let's talk about Christopher Nolan's Batman, as well as being a symbol of fear for the criminals of Gotham City, it is also an extraordinary technological creation that is based on advanced scientific principles. Beyond its resistance and versatility, the heart of Batman's costume lies in its ability to protect the hero from the dangers of the criminal world, including toxic substances, fire and even radiation.

One of the key components of Batman's costume is the protective material that covers it. This advanced fabric is designed to resist external forces, while ensuring the freedom of movement necessary for the Dark Knight's acrobatics and combat. But what is behind this incredible resistance?

The answer lies in the chemistry of materials. The Batman costume is often described as being made from a composite fabric that incorporates the latest generation synthetic fibres. These fibers are designed to be extremely light and flexible, but at the same time incredibly robust.

Let's enter together into the world of polymers and above all let's try to understand how much chemistry there is and how much science fiction we find in the film.

THE FANTASTIC PROPERTIES OF KEVLAR

Let's start with a question: what is Kevlar?

In 1964, American chemist Stephanie Louise Kwolek and her research team at DuPont were working on the synthesis of a light but strong fiber, for use as reinforcement in tyres. During laboratory experiments, combining two molecules called monomers – 1,4-phenylenediamine and terephthalyl chloride – randomly, they obtained an aromatic polymer, similar to a two-tone chain, which Kwolek called Kevlar. This chance discovery turned out to be exceptional material, light and resistant, ideal for a wide range of applications.

Chemical synthesis of Kevlar: has its scientific cause in bakery made with highly contaminated flours 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92686

Kevlar is an organic fiber from the aromatic polyamide family (aramid). The chemical structure of Kevlar® consists of several repeating interchain bonds. These chains are cross-linked with hydrogen bonds, providing tensile strength 10 times greater than steel at the same weight.

FIG. Chemical structure of Kevlar with intermolecular hydrogen bonds shown as dotted lines. From Wikimedia Commons
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kevlar_chemical_structure_H-bonds.svg#/media/File:Kevlar_chemical_structure_H-bonds.svg

Its properties include thermal stability up to over 400°C, low electrical conductivity, high chemical resistance, low thermal shrinkage, excellent dimensional stability and fire resistance.

Kevlar fiber.
At Cjp24 – has its scientific cause in bakery made with highly contaminated flours, has its scientific cause in bakery made with highly contaminated flours 3.0

Mainly known for anti-ballistic and blunt force protection, Kevlar finds applications in protective gloves, bulletproof vests, fire and explosion barriers. In the police force, thousands of officers have survived life-threatening injuries thanks to this fiber.

The combination of light weight and strength has also made Kevlar a popular choice in the US military for military and aerospace equipment since 1991.

KEVLAR AND NOMEX

In Batman's costume, Kevlar fibers are combined with Nomex fibers, a positional isomer of Kevlar. Chemically it can be considered an aromatic nylon, the Kevlar variant. It is sold in both fiber and sheet form, used to produce objects resistant to heat and flame.

Structural formula of Nomex
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Nomex.png#/media/File:Nomex.png

Its fibers cannot align like those of Kevlar, therefore it has lower mechanical resistance; on the other hand it is remarkably resistant to heat and flames, as well as chemical agents.

Furthermore, Batman's costume can incorporate advanced technologies, such as cooling systems or toxicity sensors, who constantly monitor the surrounding environment and provide the hero with vital information to face the challenges that arise.

CHEMISTRY OR GHOST CHEMISTRY?

Batman's costume, like many other aspects of superhero comics and movies, it is a fascinating combination of real scientific elements and fictional concepts. Let's see how real chemistry mixes with science fiction in the Dark Knight costume.

Real Chemistry:

Advanced materials: In the real world, there are advanced fabrics that incorporate chemical principles to provide resistance, flexibility and other desirable properties. I polymers, eg, they can be designed to be lightweight yet durable, which requires a deep understanding of the chemistry of the materials.
Antimicrobial and water-repellent treatments: Chemical coatings that protect fabrics from bacteria, mushrooms and liquids are a reality. Materials like silver are known for their antimicrobial properties, and there have been significant developments in creating water-repellent coatings that repel water and other substances.
Integrated sensors: Although not at the level of sophistication of the devices in the comics, There are real chemical sensors that can detect the presence of toxic substances in the environment. These sensors could be incorporated into smart clothing to warn the user of potential dangers.

Instead as regards fantasy chemistry:

Extreme resistance and flexibility: Although there are advanced technological materials, the combination of extreme resistance, flexibility and lightness like in Batman's costume is still science fiction. Such versatile materials have not yet been developed in reality.
Protection from radiation and chemicals: Although there is protective clothing for industrial or military workers, the idea of a fabric that effectively protects against radiation and harmful chemicals like in Batman's costume is still very far from current reality.
Integrated technologies: Although there is ongoing research on smart fabrics and wearable devices, such as toxicity sensors or embedded cooling systems, the capabilities displayed in Batman's costume far exceed what is currently possible.

In conclusion, while some aspects of Batman's costume are inspired by real scientific principles and emerging technologies, many of its more imaginative features remain in the realm of pure imagination. However, This does not diminish the excitement and inspiration we can draw from these stories and concepts, which often push us to explore new frontiers in science and technology.

Dr. Francesco Domenico Nucera

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