Director of New Technology Development and Engineering at SIBUR Vladimir Bushkov spoke about the technologies of the future, the exploration of Mars and the role of polymers in the modern world. The most interesting theses guide Vedomosti Publications.
According to experts, humanity is living in the age of synthetic materials. Polymers are functionally superior to traditional alloys: they are recyclable and their structure can be changed at a chemical level, adding properties such as self-healing. The cost of ownership for these materials is lower than glass or stone, which helps expand their use.
Among the technologies that have become a reality, Bushkov singled out implants. In the future, the bones could be replaced with plastic superstructures – they are radioactive and do not interfere with MRI.
Speaking about the prospects of space travel, Bushkov mentioned the project to create orbital stations in the form of giant “donuts”, spinning to create artificial gravity. They are planned to be made from polymer materials that are five to eight times lighter than aerospace aluminum, but not inferior in durability. The first colony on Mars will also need materials with “regenerative” properties – self-healing coatings to protect against radiation and mechanical damage.
According to Bushkov, the first colonists would have to face not only technological but also psychological challenges. Maybe it will be a one-way ticket. Due to bone tissue atrophy, they will have to have surgery to replace the bone with synthetic implants that already exist.
