April 2010

Researchers from Rice University has used theoretical models to determine that graphene can transmit thermal energy in waves. Given the elastic properties of graphene, long waves of the acoustic kind seem to work best. Because the scattering properties of graphene are low, such waves can go fast and far, unobstructed by each other or by imperfections in the material.

Researchers from the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in the US have shown in 3 studies that Graphene should be the nanomaterial of choice to strengthen composite materials used in everything from wind turbines to aircraft wings.

The studies found that composites infused with graphene are stronger, stiffer and less prone to failure than composites comprised of carbon nanotubes and other nanoparticles.

Professors from the University of South Florida has found a way to make circuits out of Graphene - using tiny nanoscale defects. They made strips of broken atomic rings in the Graphene, and these have metallic properties - they can act like tiny 'wires'.