Zbatimit

Zbatimit is a fictional or hypothetical material that appears in speculative discussions of advanced materials and in science fiction worldbuilding. In such contexts, it is described as a lightweight, exceptionally strong ceramic or ceramic–metal composite that maintains stability at extreme temperatures and under high radiation. The composition and microstructure of zbatimit vary by author, but common treatments imagine a multi-phase system with a ceramic matrix embedded with nano-scale metallic or intermetallic inclusions, or a quasi-crystalline network with tunable stoichiometry.

Reported properties in these contexts include a high strength-to-weight ratio, high thermal conductivity, and a very low or negative coefficient of thermal expansion. Its electronic properties are described as either highly dielectric or capable of superconducting behavior under certain conditions, depending on the fictional setting. The material is often depicted as resistant to oxidation and radiation, making it attractive for space or defense applications in stories.

Synthesis or discovery is not established in real-world science; zbatimit is typically introduced as a thought experiment or narrative element. Some writers treat the term as having an arbitrary naming origin and offer various etymologies, with no canonical derivation. Because zbatimit is not a real material, discussions about it focus on hypothetical properties, potential applications, and the role such a material would play in theoretical technologies.

See also: fictional materials, metamaterials, hypothetical materials.