3 Potential Uses of the Incredible Graphene

Posted by Rob A on July 9th, 2019

Graphene is one of the greatest discoveries of the 21st century. It’s the thinnest material known to man, as it’s made up of a single layer of carbon atoms. What’s amazing is, that even while in this state, it’s stronger than a diamond and a great conductor of heat and electricity. Scientists can even use chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to put graphene on copper and create new kinds of composites, giving it almost limitless applications.

Over the years, researchers have been developing many potential uses for this wondrous hyper-conductor. Here are a few examples of what graphene’s been up to:

Bulletproof Clothing

Ballistics experts are starting to use this substance in the construction of bulletproof clothing. Since it’s the hardest material on the planet, it has enough strength to potentially stop a bullet. Not to mention, it’s been found to be twice as effective as traditional synthetic fibers in dissipating kinetic energy and ten times better than steel!

Since a cubic meter of graphene only weighs 160 grams, it’s the perfect material for bulletproof clothing. Several layers of it can be easily be added to a garment, making it a much more comfortable and an ergonomic option for body armor.

Batteries

Scientists are experimenting on using CVD graphene on copper to make it more durable and better at transferring energy. As a superconductor, this amazing material conducts electricity without large gaps in time and minimal loss of energy.

This means that companies can now make fast-charging graphene batteries for all kinds of gadgets and machines. Potentially, you might even be able to charge something like an electric car in a matter of hours instead of days.

Transportation

Transportation manufacturers are now incorporating graphene into the vehicles they build. With the hopes that it could someday replace steel. Car companies are starting to experiment with using this material for automobile components, making them lighter and more durable. With it, vehicles will better keep their shape and protect the driver and passengers in case of impact.

Vehicles made of light, durable material have improved acceleration rates, too. This makes graphene a great substance to use in building faster and better aircraft and spacecraft.

From using graphene on copper conductors to bulletproof vests, one can see that there’s a wide range of potential applications for this wonderful discovery. This multi-use technology will surely revolutionize many areas of science and engineering in the years to come.