buckypaper

This is really interesting , just imagine your helmet made with multi layers of this stuff , it would probably weigh next to nothing and protect your coconut a thousand times better than traditional helmets.

Super Strong 'Buckypaper' Will Replace Steel

By Brian X. Chen October 17, 2008 | 7:22:03 PMCategories: Innovations, Science


In the near future, gadgets, airplanes and cars will be stronger, lighter and more energy-efficient thanks to "Buckypaper" -- a material scientists discovered by accident.
Composed of tube-shaped carbon molecules 50,000 times thinner than a human hair, Buckypaper possesses unique properties enabling it to conduct electricity and disperse heat.
Scientists thus far have failed to produce the material at its full potential of being 500 times stronger and 10 times lighter than steel. However, Florida State University researchers recently announced making major progress on the effort, according to an Associated Press story.
"If this thing goes into production, this very well could be a very, very game-changing or revolutionary technology to the aerospace business," said Les Kramer, chief technologist of Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, which is helping sponsor Florida State's research.
In 1985, a team of scientists at Rice University serendipitously discovered the origins of Buckypaper while conducting an experiment examining how stars produce carbon. An unexpected finding was a ball of 60 carbon atoms, which scientists named "Buckyballs."
Later, researchers at Arizona State University discovered the carbon nanotubes of Buckyballs would stick together and could be produced into a small film -- eventually called Buckypaper.
Sheets of Buckypaper stacked and pressed together form a composite -- a very expensive process. Florida State researchers claim they are getting close to devising a manufacturing process to make the material commercially affordable and competitive.
Future planes, cars may be made of 'buckypaper' [AP]
Photo: Wikipedia

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkijxr4z_mY

[Bibio]

cooooolll....

A super expensive helmet!

you can do some cool stuff with carbon nanotubes, but people are still wary of the safety of them (think asbestos). Carbon based nano structures are definately something that will filter down to more everyday stuff.

my only experience of them is no matter how much DNA you wrap round them, they will mess up your HPLC.

but it's a really silly name, right?

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by CoolGirl

but it's a really silly name, right?

haven't read the article but the "bucky" is probably derived from buckminsterfullerene, a structure of 60 carbon atoms arranged in a ball like shape:

[embee]

The name originates with a certain Mr. Buckminster Fuller who among other things designed geodesic domes like the Eden project uses. The 60 atom Carbon ball has the same geometry, so was christened with his name.

Nah - we'll only be safe when they make everything out of the same plastic they use for doll's heads.

C'mon - every time there is a disaster like a plane crash, train wreck or something there's always seems to be a slightly singed doll's head looking all lost and forlorn...

... they always survive so it has to have something to do with the stuff they are made of. Surely.

Originally Posted by K

Nah - we'll only be safe when they make everything out of the same plastic they use for doll's heads.

C'mon - every time there is a disaster like a plane crash, train wreck or something there's always seems to be a slightly singed doll's head looking all lost and forlorn...

... they always survive so it has to have something to do with the stuff they are made of. Surely.

Nerd alert!!!!!!

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by K

Nah - we'll only be safe when they make everything out of the same plastic they use for doll's heads.

C'mon - every time there is a disaster like a plane crash, train wreck or something there's always seems to be a slightly singed doll's head looking all lost and forlorn...

... they always survive so it has to have something to do with the stuff they are made of. Surely.

Someone has been watching red dwarf