NOVA

Beyond the Elements: Indestructible

Season 47 Episode 18 | 53m 30s

Glass so strong you can jump on it, rubber so tough it protects a clay pot dropped from 50 feet, endless varieties of plastic. Scientists and engineers have created virtually indestructible versions of common materials by manipulating the chains of interlocking atoms that give them strength—but have they made them too tough? Host David Pogue explores the fantastic chemistry behind the everyday.

Aired: 02/10/21 | Expires: 02/02/24 | Rating: TV-PG

Major funding for "Beyond the Elements: Indestructible" is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. Additional funding is provided by the George D. Smith Fund. Major funding for NOVA is provided by the David H. Koch Fund for Science, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and PBS viewers. Additional funding is provided by the NOVA Science Trust.

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Extras From This Episode

• Beyond the Elements: Indestructible Preview

  Preview: S47 Ep18 | 30s

• Plastics: Durable, Diverse, and Indestructible

  Clip: S47 Ep18 | 7m 52s

More Episodes

• Beyond the Elements: Life

  S47 Ep19 | 53m 32s

• Beyond the Elements: Indestructible

  S47 Ep18 | 53m 30s

• Beyond the Elements: Reactions

  S47 Ep17 | 53m 31s

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