Captain America’s star-spangled shield can stand up against the universe’s most powerful forces all thanks to vibranium. This fictional and nearly indestructible element absorbs and releases huge amounts of kinetic energy. It is also the stuff of dreams for real materials scientists.

After a few years and a handover of the shield, Captain America is back. Marvel Studios’ latest adventure and the fourth solo Cap movie, “Captain America: Brave New World,” is opening in theaters this weekend and has made $12 million in Thursday previews at the box office.