Composites & Alloys

Precious

These metals include silver, gold and the platinum group of metals. They have a lustrous, rich appearance and can be obtained with little effort. While used in manufacturing of all types, their best known use is in the production of jewelry and as a form of wealth in and of themselves.

Radioactives

Otherwise known as actinoids or the actinide series, the atoms of these elements split (fission) into smaller elements, releasing neutrons, heat and radiation. Useful as a power source, weapon warheads and as armor.

Rare Earths

Otherwise known as lanthanoids or the lanthanide series of metals that are highly reactive in air. Rare Earths are used in almost all advanced product manufacturing, particularly lighting and nuclear applications.

Transparent Aluminum

The most important advance in the past century of computer useability has been the invention of transparent aluminum. This durable and dynamic material allows computers to essentially display information any way that they choose. From three dimensional holotanks to pinpoint eye-screens to the standard two dimensional HUD overlays on starships, Transparent Aluminum is one of the most common computer manufacturing materials.

Steel

While surpassed by more highly advanced alloy combinations, steel remains a low cost version for general and machinery construction. Steel consists of an iron ore base with a mixture of sundry metals to vary melting points, tensile strength, brittleness and hardness.

Plasglass

An alloy of metals, plastics and silica glass, this alloy has a transparency slightly less than glass, but with the hardness of metals and is shatterproof. Commonly used for windows in buildings, and where solid walls will detract from visual appearance.

Plasteel

An alloy of metals and carbon nanotubes has resulted in a lightweight metal with high strength and durability. Commonly used in aerospace framework and to a small extent as exterior armor.

Tritanium

An alloy based on titanium and forming interlinking molecules of three metallic atoms, this metal is exceedingly strong. Commonly used in bulkhead construction and armor plating.

Bipolite

A polysteel mix variable alloy doped to produce electromagnetic regions, which, when activated, assist in diverting particles from impact paths and rippling kinetic energy from the impact point.

Duranium

Sacrificing increased mass for increased protection, massive slabs of depleted uranium are mixed with osmium and encased in an ablative coating of tantalum carbide.

Obsidisteel

A combination of metals and silicate oxides, this dark, hard substance is actually secreted from living silicon based organisms.

Carbonium

This alloy is generated from the bio-waste of the Rlaan biogenerator energy system. This bio-waste is melded at high temperature with assorted metals to form an odd appearing, flexible yet hard alloy.

Isometal

A generic term for any metal alloy which has been strengthened via a slow thermal reduction cycle. As a result these alloys have a high ability to dissipate energy and are frequently used for armor plating.

Industrial Chemicals

Alkali

Alkali metals and earths are primarily used in alloys with other metals. As such, alkali derivatives can be found in structural materials, fuel sources, nuclear applications and general manufacturing. Common characteristics include igniting spontaneously in air and violent reactions with water.

Chemical Mix

Original sources of chemicals used in the creation of gases, liquids and solids that form chemical fuel.

Heavy Water

While not a fuel in itself, it is a key component in several types of advanced fuels. It is a water molecule where the hydrogen atom contains an additional neutron. Heavy Water has extensive use in both nuclear fission and fusion, and is used in water dynamo batteries.

Base

Composing most elements discovered to date, it includes titanium, iron, nickel, copper to name a few common metals. These base metals are usually blended both with each other and the other remaing periodic elements. The resulting alloys have application across the full spectrum of general manufacturing, from steel to nuclear applications to medicine, lighting and painting.

Dyes

Dyes are colored substances obtained from various chemical compounds and used to give products such as food, textiles and suchlike a coloration different to their original form.

Acids

Acids are substances that taste sour in water solution, react with some metals to release hydrogen, react with a base to form salts, and enact certain chemical reactions known as acid catalysis. Used extensively in the manufacturing process.

Catalysts

Catalysts are substances that enable a chemical reaction to occur at a faster rate, lower temperature or in conditions altered from what would normally occur. Used extensively in industrial processes.

Esters

Any of a class of often fragrant compounds that can be represented by the formula RCOOR' and that are usually formed by the reaction between an acid and an alcohol with elimination of water. Typically used for aromatic purposes.

Rare Catalysts

Corporations have made fortunes by perfecting a single chemical reaction for maximum efficiency. One of the best ways of doing this is to use the best catalysts to move the reaction faster and with less waste. The most valuable catalysts are often very difficult and expensive to obtain.

Ethanol

Explosive fuel liquid used as a basic fuel source for powering primitive combustion motors. The motor ignites the fuel, which expands on ignition. The pressure of the explosion drives a piston, in turn driving a power shaft.

Petrochems

Refined hydrocarbon fuels. Used to power lower tech combustion equipment and vehicles. Having seen use for centuries, petrochem power plants have been developed to a high degree of efficiency in converting petrochems to energy. Plus, almost all waste emission is now recycled for industrial usage. Strongly desired for its high power to mass ratio on developing worlds with low technological infrastructure.

Chemical Fuels

Gases, liquids and solids that when superheated, explode, providing heat and thrust when directed out of a nozzle. Typically used as a propellant in solid weaponry, and in space vehicles where other power sources are unavailable or unnecessary.

Purified & Enhanced Materials

Industrial Gemstones

Lesser quality and flawed gemstones are more often used in industrial processes rather than for personal adornment. They form part of the manufacturing process itself, but occasionally are used as part of the end product.

Pearls

Pearls are formed from the concentric nacre secretions of a mollusc around an impurity. They are usually of one color, but individual pearls of varying colors have been known to exist.

Jewels

Formed by high planetary pressure and heat, jewels are brilliantly colored gemstones usually used for personal adornment. Rubies, sapphires and emeralds are the most popularly known jewels. Some jewels also find use in weapons research.

Diamonds

As one of the hardest known natural substances, diamonds are a rarity among gemstones. They find use in most industrial processes, usually for cutting, weapons research, and are also highly valued for their appearance alone.

Sorir Lightstones

Researchers are still undecided if this stone is a live being, or a chemically reactant mineral. Either way, when immersed in water, these stones provide a bright light in ruby, sapphire and emerald hues. Aside from their beauty, these stones are commonly used as emergency lighting where alternative power is unavailable.

Reinforced Rubber

Natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties such as toughness and resistance to wear. Used especially in airlocks, electrical insulation, and for waterproofing materials.

Wood Boards

While wood is no longer required for its structural aspects on developed worlds, lesser developed planets still use it as a primary construction material. It does maintain, however, an aesthetic preference for its appearance.

Synthetics

Plastics

Any of various organic compounds artificially produced by polymerization and capable of being molded, extruded, cast into various shapes and films, or drawn into filaments.

Computer Fibres

The most common component of modern electronics and computers is the Computer Fibre. Fibers act as carriers of data between different computer subunits in modern systems, and also as small dynamic logic processors in everyday objects.

Cargo:Old:Refined materials

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