Scientists have found a way to double the life of guns thanks to the inventions of the ancient world

Scientists from China have found a way to double the life of artillery barrels by using advanced chrome plating technology used by Chinese gunsmiths back in the days before our era. This was reported on August 1 by the South China Morning Post agency.

An analysis of the bronze swords buried with the Terracotta army of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, showed that they remained sharp due to a thin layer of chromium salts from 10 to 15 micrometers thick, the material says.

Scientists have been able to modernize this method, thereby turning it into an advanced solution for one of the most persistent problems of modern artillery — barrel erosion.

It is reported that Chinese scientists have produced a two-layer composite chrome coating. The first layer is a matte coating of "soft chrome" applied at low melting temperatures. At a higher temperature, a second, harder layer of chromium is electroplated onto this base, forming a wear-resistant outer shell.

Tests have shown that this method of manufacturing barrels reduces wear by 23% and increases service life with regular and proper care by almost 100%

It is specified that usually the combined effect of chemical erosion from propellant gases, mechanical abrasion from projectiles and thermal shock from repeated shots leads to rapid wear, microcracks and possible degradation of the bore.

South China Morning reported on July 25 that a huge BGSe crystal has been manufactured in China, which allows the creation of super-powerful laser weapons. It was noted that this was a breakthrough that could pave the way for the creation of a super-powerful laser weapon capable of hitting satellites from Earth.

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.