Futuristic technology used in battle to preserve HMS Victory

Futuristic technology is helping to save Lord Nelson's flagship HMS Victory in Portsmouth for generations to come.

The ship, which featured in the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, is facing a battle against fungus and the destructive deathwatch beetle.

Nanotechnology is being used by a team at the University of Southampton to preserve the timbers.

New oak wood timbers used in the conservation of HMS Victory are infused with extremely small particles called nanoparticles to prevent fungal growth.

The nanoparticles are about 1000 times smaller than a human hair and have unique properties that can enhance the quality of materials, like wood.

Engineering consultant Rachel Triggs from the University of Southampton, said: "HMS Victory is the oldest commissioned warship in the world.

"The goal of the conservation project is to make sure that she can last at least another 50 years and to achieve this we must prevent water damage and fungal decay."

Rainwater inside HMS Victory’s woodwork causes fungus that attracts the deathwatch beetle.

With a lifespan of up to 13 years, the beetle burrows into the wood, laying eggs as it goes.

The larvae then burrow further, creating a criss-crossing tunnel system that severely threatens the integrity of wood.

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