Last month we reported that researchers from Beijing are developing graphene-enhanced titanium alloys that may be useful as a new material for aircraft. Today we learn that the Chinese are not alone in their graphene efforts for the aerospace industry.
So first up with a new research by the University of Manchester, that developed new carbon fibers using a composite material made from two layers of polymer with a graphene sheet placed between them. Using Raman Spectroscopy, the researchers measured these fibers and found them to be very strong, even when stretched. The researchers say that these can be used to make structural, lightweight components for fuel efficient cars and aircraft.
In the US, the Air Force, in collaboration with Louisiana Tech University are developing new aircraft defensive systems based on graphene. The idea is to create graphene based chaff, which is currently made from metal strips. Chaff is deployed by aircraft to confuse anti air defense systems.
The researchers say that replacing the metal with graphene-based materials may provide an improved defense against IR and RF based systems. Looking ahead, the researchers hope that this collaboration will also lead into work in the areas of communication, security infrastructure and energy management.