By Borja arrizabalaga
Feb, 16th 2018
the 4th industrial revolution is already here and will completely change our way of life and concept of society. Today I will talk about new materials and especially graphene.
Graphene is a substance composed of pure carbon, with atoms arranged in a regular hexagonal pattern, similar to graphite. A sheet of an atom of thickness is about 200 times more resistant than the current stronger steel, its density being more or less the same as that of carbon fiber, and about five times lighter than aluminum. A sheet of 1 square meter weighs only 0.77 milligrams.
the applications of the graneo are:
1. Electronics: Could be used in the manufacture of microchips or transistors, both essential elements in virtually all electronic devices. There are several companies that are already developing conductive inks, which is a type of ink that conducts electricity and that is used to print circuits, from graphene. In addition, due to its special characteristics, the electronic components of this material will allow the development of flexible devices that can be rolled or folded according to the needs.
2.Informática: The use of graphene will allow the development of computers much faster and with a lower power consumption than current silicon. In addition, it is estimated that a hard disk of this compound, the same size as one of those currently employed, could store up to a thousand times more information.
3. Mobile telephony: Graphene would create a new generation of devices adapted to the physiognomy of the human being, without pre-established shapes or colors, with flexible, folding and tactile screens. In addition, several recent studies have shown how graphene nanocircuits could significantly improve the speed and quality of wireless communications. Actually, this type of products sounds almost like science fiction, because they would measure a billion times less than a meter.
4. Energy sector: It is another of those that will change in a visible way. Due to its energetic properties, graphene will allow the creation of long-lasting batteries that will only take a few seconds to charge. In addition, renewable energies will move to a more relevant level, since, among others, solar panels coated with this material will be much more efficient and will allow a more ecological form of energy consumption.
5. Shield industry: The extreme hardness of graphene, together with its ability to mold and its lightness, makes it an ideal compound to be used in this industry. Bulletproof vests, helmets and a multitude of protection elements that are used by various professionals will become much lighter and safer.
6. Automotive industry: Its application in the chassis of vehicles would make them much more resistant, so the number of deaths in annual traffic accidents could be drastically reduced. On the other hand, hybrid cars will become a real alternative instead of being relegated to a minority representation. Long-lasting batteries, with minimum charging times, will make it easier for the most reluctant drivers to see them with different eyes.
7. Motor and fuel industry: Will make both more ecological and efficient. Currently, it is common knowledge that the Pentagon has invested a large amount of money to encourage the development of an additive based on graphene that improves the performance of military aircraft in terms of consumption and performance.
8. Food industry: Enabling the creation of safer food packaging or coatings for household furniture that prevent the development of bacteria on its surface.
9. Water treatment: Due to its peculiar structure of high density permeable to water, its possible use for water desalination is studied. Some data obtained from these projects predict that this task can be done in a much shorter time and with a much lower cost.
10.Development of science: The high reactivity of graphene with other chemical elements other than carbon is one of the characteristics that attracts the most attention in the field of research. Some derivatives of graphene have already been discovered, as is the case of graphane, which by means of the addition of hydrogen in its molecular structure results in a new insulating material.
As you can see in this article, the options are endless and the conception of the world and the way in which we live, will be completely transformed in just a few years.