Can Graphene Be Effectively Used in Solar Sails?

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SUMMARY

Graphene, a one-atom-thick material known for its exceptional strength and potential for scalability, presents intriguing possibilities for solar sails. However, concerns arise regarding its performance in extreme space conditions, including radiation exposure and temperature fluctuations. The discussion highlights the need to explore graphene's ability to absorb photons in a vacuum and convert kinetic energy into momentum. Additionally, alternative materials such as polyimide film are suggested for further investigation in solar sail applications.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of graphene properties and applications
  • Knowledge of radiation effects on materials in space
  • Familiarity with photon absorption and momentum transfer concepts
  • Experience with materials science, particularly in aerospace applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the thermal and radiation resistance of graphene in space environments
  • Explore the mechanics of photon absorption and momentum generation in materials
  • Investigate alternative materials for solar sails, focusing on polyimide film
  • Study advancements in graphene production techniques for large-scale applications
USEFUL FOR

Aerospace engineers, materials scientists, researchers in nanotechnology, and anyone involved in the development of solar sail technology.

YoungDreamer
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I am wondering if the properties of graphene could have implications for solar sails.
I don't know much about graphene but I do know that it is only an atom thick and very very strong and theoretically can be made of infinite size.

Are there any problems that graphene would face in terms of radiation or extreme temperatures, or any other properties of space that would interact with graphene in a negative way that would render it useless as a sail?
And since graphite is a dark color I assume graphene would be dark as well. If I am not mistaken this is a result of the amount of light that it absorbs, so my question about that aspect of it is, in a vacuum could graphene absorb photons and turn their kenetic energy into momentum?
And finally if the absorption of light isn't the best way to make it work, is there a better way, or is there just a better material altogether?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Many people dream of graphene for that application. Question is just: HOW?

Meanwhile, you can try to make polyimide film thinner than industrially available. My process there:
saposjoint.net/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=66&t=2102#p24358
 

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