Vibranium is an element that defies the conventional periodic table. It boasts an unchanging atomic structure even at absolute zero, rendering it impervious to external shocks. This property allows it to absorb energy and forces effortlessly.
Artifacts forged from vibranium, such as Captain America's shield and Black Panther's suit, can indefinitely absorb energy and force from their surroundings, making them virtually invulnerable.
Given vibranium's unique attributes, the replacement element must also possess structural stability and energy-absorbing capabilities.
"I can produce Pym Particles, which serve as a vibranium substitute. It's not as challenging as you might think!"
Fang Yan surveyed the state-of-the-art laboratory before him, his pride evident.
Creating vibranium involves breaching the absolute zero temperature barrier, which is unattainable within the confines of Earth's physical laws. Thus, to synthesize vibranium, Fang Yan would need to transcend these laws.
For now, Fang Yan focused on crafting a substitute element capable of emulating vibranium's physical properties. There was no immediate urgency to create vibranium itself.
Helium, a simple element, is the most stable on Earth. However, its atomic structure doesn't align with vibranium's shock-absorbing characteristics. Nonetheless, alternative elements with greater stability could fulfill the criteria.
Radon, a noble gas similar to helium, typically emerges as a stable product following the decay of radioactive substances, like uranium. But ordinary radon wouldn't suffice for Fang Yan's needs. He required a specific isotope, radon-172.
Only radon with this atomic weight could potentially emulate vibranium's qualities and serve as its replacement.
Radon is pervasive but exists in minuscule quantities in the soil, surface water, and atmosphere. Despite this, Fang Yan remained undeterred.
"Jarvis, activate the centrifuge."
Fang Yan issued a command, setting a massive centrifuge into motion within the heart of the laboratory.
This centrifuge played a pivotal role in refining the substitute for vibranium. With numerous radon isotopes to choose from and identical chemical properties, traditional purification methods fell short. A centrifuge, similar to those used in uranium enrichment for atomic bombs, could exploit the subtle differences in isotope mass to separate them.
Fang Yan's centrifuge, enhanced multiple-fold by Jarvis, exceeded ordinary standards by a wide margin, perfectly equipped for this endeavor.
The centrifuge's vigorous operation yielded the separation of radon-172 isotopes.
However, radon-172 primarily exists as a gas, not a solid metal like vibranium.
To convert it, Fang Yan needed to manipulate its particle structure—altering the arrangement of protons, neutrons, and electrons—to shift its state from gas to solid. Although Fang Yan was experienced in creating Pym Particles, transforming radon-172 proved challenging due to its complex structure.
"Focus is a scientist's greatest virtue! And I am the king of science!"
Fang Yan, fully engrossed, meticulously operated various equipment.
While demanding, the transformation process eventually yielded success. After seven days of arduous labor, Fang Yan had successfully replicated vibranium's physical properties, crafting a substitute element.
Certain that the transparent fusiform crystal before him was the desired replacement, Fang Yan stood, sighed, and contemplated the significance.
"Wakanda's reliance on vibranium for survival would seem less justified if they knew how effortlessly I created a substitute. Their reaction would likely be quite a spectacle!"
Putting aside his work without needing Jarvis' reminder, Fang Yan received a cup of perfectly-temperatured coffee from his assistant.
He took a sip, a wave of comfort washing over him.
"Exhale..."
Fang Yan leaned back, reflecting on his achievement.
"Jarvis, record the test procedure I just completed."
"Certainly, sir. I've documented all the production steps. I can engage the micro-robots at any time to take over crystal production for you."
Jarvis responded, a cluster of micro-robots swarming onto the test bench at Fang Yan's command, ready to work.
"Haha! Jarvis, you're quite the quick learner. You've nearly caught up!"
Fang Yan grinned, clearly pleased.
"Your approval is my privilege."
Jarvis maintained his gentlemanly demeanor, resembling an old-fashioned English aristocratic butler.
"Though I've managed the vibranium replacement, hurdles remain in cultivating heart-shaped herbs."
"Sir, I've readied the necessary biological genetic material for heart-shaped herb cultivation. We need to conduct final tests before implementation."
"You've located the gene fragment so swiftly?"
"I infiltrated all genetic laboratories, extracting global human and animal gene fragments. By analyzing and comparing these, I identified the biological gene fragments that mimic the heart-shaped herb's properties."
Fang Yan felt a weight lift off his shoulders. A competent assistant made all the difference.
"Take me there."
"Of course, sir."