MIT Develops Compressed Graphene Sponge with Endless Uses

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SUMMARY

MIT has developed a compressed graphene sponge with a density of just 5 percent and a simulated strength ten times that of steel. This innovative material presents numerous potential applications, although its practical implementation and cost-effectiveness remain to be validated. The discussion highlights the complexity of defining "strength" in materials science, noting that while graphene may excel in certain parameters, other materials may outperform it in specific applications. The potential for this material to replace helium in dirigible technology has been ruled out based on current research findings.

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Engineering news on Phys.org
The new material, a sponge-like configuration with a density of just 5 percent, can have a strength 10 times that of steel.
That was only the result of a computer simulation.

Also, what does "strength" mean? There are many parameters related to the strength, steel is good in all of them. For special applications (like tensile strength only), there are much better materials already.
could lead to a replacement for helium for strong yet light dirigible applications
That was hoped, the new research rules out this application, as discussed later in the text.

Let's see if they can make an actual material with good properties, and then let's see how expensive that is.
 

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