Carbon Nanotube Films Stronger Than Kevlar (acs.org)

ckwu writes: Carbon nanotubes are exceptionally strong and stretchy. But so far, films made out of them have come nowhere close to having the mechanical strength of individual nanotubes. Researchers now report a simple fabrication method to make carbon nanotube films that are five times as strong as those made before—and stronger than films made from Kevlar or carbon fiber. The films had an average tensile strength of 9.6 gigapascals. By comparison, Kevlar fibers and commercially used carbon fibers are around 3.7 and 7 GPa, respectively. The films are also four times as pliable as conventional carbon fibers, able to elongate 8% on average.

Comments

Space elevator

[Eloking]

Yah! We can start talking about space elevator again!

No thanks

[thegarbz]

I'm not buying into obsolete technology. I'll wait and see what Graphene can do.

Re:No thanks

[gb]

Yes well, you'll be asking for carbon free diamonds next I suppose.

Biological Activity

[Anonymous Coward]

Hi.

Sheets and other shapes of carbon nanomolecules are known to have sharp edges that can tear up biological structures (cell membranes, for one). It is not clear if or how these carbon nanomolecules interact with biochemistry, or into what compounds the nanomolecules degrade (by nature or human effort) and what effect those breakdown products have on life chemistry.

Where do we stand with testing the biological safety of these potentially magnificent compounds BEFORE we poison ourselves again by mistake, as we did with organometallics (dioxins, PCBs), synthetic estrogens (plastics), heavy metal pollution (pthalates, mercury), etc., etc.)?

Signed,

A Biologist

PS Your best defense is a solid-block carbon water filter. You're welcome.