The inner, impermeable metal membrane of a liquefied natural-gas tanker is made from Invar steel to withstand direct contact with the –163°C liquid. Behind the Invar are layers of plywood and expanded polyurethane insulation and a second barrier layer of fiberglass-aluminum composite. Automated surface treatment with plasma ensured none of the cargo gas would leak through to the ship’s steel hull. Courtesy Plasmatreat / Yves Guillotin