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Carbon nanotubes in an ancient Damascus sabre

Author

Listed:
  • M. Reibold

    (Institut fur Strukturphysik, Technische Universität Dresden
    Triebenberg Laboratory, Technische Universität Dresden)

  • P. Paufler

    (Institut fur Strukturphysik, Technische Universität Dresden)

  • A. A. Levin

    (Institut fur Strukturphysik, Technische Universität Dresden)

  • W. Kochmann

    (Institut fur Strukturphysik, Technische Universität Dresden
    Krüllsstrasse 4b)

  • N. Pätzke

    (Institut fur Strukturphysik, Technische Universität Dresden)

  • D. C. Meyer

    (Institut fur Strukturphysik, Technische Universität Dresden)

Abstract

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.

Suggested Citation

  • M. Reibold & P. Paufler & A. A. Levin & W. Kochmann & N. Pätzke & D. C. Meyer, 2006. "Carbon nanotubes in an ancient Damascus sabre," Nature, Nature, vol. 444(7117), pages 286-286, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:444:y:2006:i:7117:d:10.1038_444286a
    DOI: 10.1038/444286a
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    Cited by:

    1. Gabriele Vargas & Fernanda Abreu, 2018. "Current Challenges and Future Perspectives for Applying Biologically Synthesized Magnetic Nanoparticles for Human Health Benefit," Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, Biomedical Research Network+, LLC, vol. 11(3), pages 8480-8482, November.

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