Hyperloop Touts Superhero-like "Vibranium" Material

Los Angeles-based Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Inc. says it has created a new high-strength “smart” carbon-fiber composite for use in the high-speed transportation pod it’s developing.

HTT developed the material in conjunction with Slovakian-based carbon-fiber specialist c2i S.r.o. The partners named the composite Vibranium after the fictional metal used to construct the shield for Marvel comic book hero Captain America.

The company claims the real Vibranium composite is eight times stronger, 2.5 times stiffer and 1.5 times lighter than aluminum, with 2.5 times the tensile strength of standard carbon steel. Sensors are embedded in the carbon fiber to monitor the material’s temperature, stability and integrity. The information can be wirelessly transmitted to a central location and alert engineers to any performance degradation or other potential problems.

HTT plans to use Vibranium in a dual-layer construction for its hyperloop capsule. The company says the design will optimize safety and protect passengers even if the outer skin is damaged.

HTT, which is using a crowd-sourcing engineering strategy, is one of several companies that are pursuing the high-speed hyperloop transportation system proposed in 2013 by Tesla founder Elon Musk. The technology promises to transport groups of people and/or freight through pressurized tubes at near supersonic speeds.

HTT recently signed a development agreement with the government of Slovakia to build a prototype track that would connect Bratislava with Austria and Hungary. It also is building a five-mile test track in California.