The University of Technology in Sydney recently unveiled a new
type of graphene nano paper that is ten times stronger than a
sheet of steel. Composed of processed and pressed graphite, the
material is as thin as a sheet of paper yet incredible durable —
this strength and thinness gives it remarkable applications in
many industries, and it is completely recyclable to boot. Photo
by Wikimedia Commons To make graphene paper, raw graphite is
milled and purified using a chemical bath, which reshapes its
structure, allowing it to be pressed into thin sheets. These
graphene sheets boast excellent thermal, electrical and
mechanical properties – including excellent hardness and
flexibility. Graphene offers many advantages over steel – it’s
two times as hard, six times lighter and ten times higher in
tensile strength. This translates into a next-gen material that
could immensely benefit the automotive and aviation industries.
Lighter planes and cars use less fuel and create less pollution.
Companies such as Boeing have