Starlite

Overview

A sample of Starlite material.

Starlite is a thermal barrier material that was invented by British hairdresser and amateur chemist Maurice Ward in the 1980s. It is known for its remarkable ability to withstand and insulate against extreme heat. Despite its potential applications in various industries, the exact composition of Starlite remains a closely guarded secret.

Properties

Starlite is reputed to be able to withstand temperatures of up to 10,000 degrees Celsius. It is a thermal insulator and is said to prevent heat transfer effectively. When exposed to high temperatures, Starlite does not burn or emit smoke, making it a potentially revolutionary material for fire protection and heat shielding.

History

Maurice Ward developed Starlite in the 1980s. He demonstrated its capabilities on various television programs, where it was shown to protect an egg from the heat of a blowtorch and prevent a balloon from bursting when exposed to flame. Despite its promising properties, Starlite was never commercialized, largely due to Ward's reluctance to reveal its composition.

Potential Applications

Starlite's unique properties suggest a wide range of potential applications, including:

• Aerospace: As a heat shield for spacecraft re-entry.
• Firefighting: As a protective coating for equipment and clothing.
• Construction: As a fireproofing material for buildings.

Challenges

The main challenge with Starlite is the lack of detailed knowledge about its composition and the inability to reproduce it without Maurice Ward's involvement. This has limited its development and application in commercial and industrial settings.

Legacy

Maurice Ward passed away in 2011, and the secret of Starlite's composition was never fully disclosed. However, the material remains a topic of interest and speculation in the scientific community due to its extraordinary properties.

Related pages

• Thermal insulation
• Heat shield
• Fireproofing