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New Carbon-based Paper Stronger Than Nanotubes

Posted by CowboyNeal on from the house-of-strong-cards dept.

LynnwoodRooster writes "Science Magazine reports that a group from Northwestern University in Illinois has a new process for creating carbon-based paper that's stronger than nanotubes, and incredibly easy to use to make sheets of any desired sizes. Huge implications for aircraft, automobiles, and the ever-sought-after space elevator?"

4 of 166 comments (clear)

  1. Water by l33t.g33k · · Score: 5, Interesting

    TFA states that water is the "kryptonite" of the superstrong paper. Doesn't that kill its practicality in things like planes and automobiles? If it rains, then you could have a major catastrophe on your hands...

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    My sig is permanently on strike.
    1. Re:Water by DynaSoar · · Score: 4, Interesting

      > It's possible that it could be impregnated with some sort of resin, making it more of a carbon fiber, just a ton stronger .

      That's the usual practice for making composites for structures and vehicles. Epoxy is the resin of choice. Using epoxy with this material as opposed to woven carbon material will result in very little weight difference, but if this stuff will be that much cheaper, great. Here's my source for making rocket parts; check the prices per yard: http://www.aerosleeves.com/Carbon_Fiber_Biaxial_Sl eeving_p/cf-slv.htm
      There's also a recurring shortage andd thus price fluctuations due to supply problems with the raw fiber. A new material with roughly the same characteristics but without the supply problems would be very nice too.

      Epoxy would also make them fairly water resistant after curing. Topping that with acrylic completes that job and makes for a pretty finish too. That doesn't solve the manufacturing problem. I hope they come up with a solution (har...) that's not an environment unfriendly solvent.

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      "I may be synthetic, but I'm not stupid." -- Bishop 341-B
  2. 140MPa is similar to brass, not nanotubes by viking80 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    The tensile strength is about 140 MPa according to TFA. This is similar to brass and far below carbon nanotubes at 63 GPa. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tensile_strength

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    don't cut it off www.mgmbill.org
  3. foretold by William Gibson in "Virtual Light" by spage · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Under its coat of spray-on imitation rust and an artful bandaging of silver duct-tape, the geometry of the paper-cored, carbon-wrapped frame makes Chevette's thighs tremble. There's a little double zik as the particle-brakes let go, then she's up and on it.

    (Chevette the bike messenger is a precursor to Jessica Alba's Max in Dark Angel.

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    =S