Bikes can be made with chemical materials called carbon nanotubes embedded in the frame and handlebars. Stronger and lighter than steel, nanotubes help make a bike tough enough to tackle the roughest terrain.
Courtesy of The Franklin Institute

Boards are made up of layers of different materials. Newer boards have cores of aluminum honeycomb and polyurethane, which makes them lighter without sacrificing the strength needed to tear up the mountain.
Courtesy of The Franklin Institute

Thermoplastic polyurethane is a chemical material used for the inner lining of basketballs. Because it is very flexible, it keeps the bounce in the ball by resisting tears, cracks, and shrinkage.
Courtesy of The Franklin Institute

Tennis rackets are being manufactured with amorphous metal applied to four areas of the frame. The amorphous metal allows more energy from the racket to be transferred to the ball upon impact—which can mean more power on every shot!
Courtesy of The Franklin Institute

Hockey pucks are made from vulcanized rubber. Since temperature affects the behavior of this material, hockey pucks are kept cold to minimize bouncing off the ice. Knowing a little chemistry can set up a wicked slapshot!
Courtesy of The Franklin Institute