Role of graphene is 10 times stronger than steel

Australian scientists say they have developed a composite material based on graphite which is as thin as paper, but stronger than steel.

Guoxiu Dr. Wang and colleagues at the University of Technology Sydney called their material "graphene paper."

Role of graphene

Graphene, a two-dimensional material formed by a single layer of carbon atoms, has impressed scientists for their versatility and range of possible applications.

The role of graphene was not built piling monolayers of carbon.

Instead, scientists milled graphite and underwent a series of reactions with chemicals to purify it and force a change in their atomic structure.

These nanostructured configurations were then processed to form sheets as thin as paper.

By analyzing the resulting material, it became evident that the composite was the result of stacking of hexagonal graphite monolayers - ie, graphene sheets - arranged in perfectly ordered laminar structures.

Using a method of synthesis and thermal treatment, the team then produced a material with extraordinary mechanical properties.

Comparison with steel

Compared with steel, the role of graphene is six times lighter, has a density of five to six times smaller, is twice as hard, has 10 times more tensile strength and 13 times higher bending rigidity.

"The exceptional mechanical properties of the paper we synthesize graphene make it a promising material for commercial applications and engineering," says Ali Reza Ranjbartoreh, who developed the manufacturing process of the new composite.

"He not only is light, strong, tough and more flexible than steel, but is also recyclable and can be manufactured in a sustainable manner, being environmentally friendly and cheap," he says.

Like all carbon-based materials - fibers and composites - the role of graphene should have applications mainly in automotive and aerospace, enabling the development of cars and planes lighter, safer and more economical.