Magic putty that turns rock hard when hit with a hammer?

Question

hi there

does anyone remember/seen/heard of this putty (on tv perhaps?) that is soft and malleable but becomes rock hard when struck with a hammer? Do you know what it's called?

It's not unlike starch and water, except it's more so superstrong....

Answer 1

You are thinking of Silly Putty. It is still available.

Answer 2

The name for this stuff (if I'm thinking of the right material) is a non-Newtonian fluid. Cornstarch and water is an example of this, and what you're thinking of is probably just a stronger version.

Answer 3

There is research going into shear thickening fluids right now for  body armor applications.  There's kind of a cool picture of a person picking up a vial of the stuff using a small pin or something that's just stuck into the liquid.  Similar to cornstarch, but much more effective.  I think it's made of silica nanoparticles.  A few links here for you, but read yourself for more info.