Graphene "kirigami" can be stretched much further than regular graphene

Researchers from Boston University discovered that making patterned cuts in graphene can enable it to become stretchable - to more than 160% of their original size (regular graphene will be torn after stretched by 30%). This research uses an approach that is similar to the Japanese paper-cutting technique kirigami. The researchers say that it such stretchable graphene can be used to fabricate flexible sensors or foldable TV screens.

The researchers have used computer simulations, and have not performed real experiments yet. Those patterned sheets look like intricate snowflakes or flowers. The best pattern, they discovered, was numerous overlapping rectangles.