Graphene will protect from better bullets

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The properties of graphene continue to delight scientists. It turned out that this material, recently discovered by scientists, protects from bullets better than steel and Kevlar. The unique strength of graphene can be used to create the protection of various spacecraft from micrometeorites, as well as body armor of a new generation.

Recall that graphene was discovered relatively recently. This is a monatomic carbon layer that has a unique set of properties and characteristics, in particular, record-breaking thermal conductivity and strength. For the first time this material was synthesized in 2004 by physicists of Russian origin Konstantin Novoselov and Andrey Geim, who at that time worked in the UK. In 2010, both scientists shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery. In the 2011 year, both the academic decree of Queen Elizabeth II was awarded the title of Knights Bachelor for services to science, which gives them the right to add to his name the title "Sir".

The monatomic carbon layer discovered by scientists can work wonders and is already recognized by many materials of the future. Graphene is stronger and lighter than any materials known to us, it conducts electricity ten times better than theorists assumed, and is also capable of preventing the process of metal corrosion. Almost every day, scientists discover some new properties of this unique material, which makes it possible to expand the range of possible use of graphene in the future, when its high-grade industrial production is established.



Today, graphene is produced mainly in scientific laboratories and only in small quantities. The main method of graphene production that exists today is based on mechanical peeling or detachment of graphite layers from highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. This method allows scientists to obtain the highest quality material samples with high carrier mobility. However, this method does not involve the use of large-scale industrial production, since it is manual labor. So far, this technique has not been significantly improved, although work is being done in this direction. For this reason, graphene sheets are still a very expensive material and relatively small in size.

A team of scientists led by Thomas Edwin of the University of Rice conducted research and found that graphene has a very high, one might say exceptional, resistance to microscopic high-speed "bullets." According to American scientists, graphene has demonstrated an excellent ability to dissipate the impact energy. The material was 10 times stronger than the best to date have become and 2 times stronger than Kevlar. The results of the research of scientists were published in the specialized scientific publication Science.

In the course of the experiment, scientists from Rice University bombarded multi-layer graphene membranes with thicknesses from 10 to 100 nm (this is approximately from 30 to 300 graphene layers) using tiny silicon dioxide spheres. These graphene membranes were produced by a classical mechanical method: by removing graphene flakes from pieces of pyrolytic graphite. In order to test the stability of graphene on such tiny samples, it was decided to use a non-standard gunshot weapon, and a special technique based on a laser. The laser beam evaporated a thin film of gold with a thickness of approximately 50 nm, as a result there was an explosive expansion of the gas, which accelerated the silicon “bullet” to a speed of about 600 m / s. For how the graphene membrane reacts to such a blow, the scientists observed with a powerful electron microscope.



During the impact, graphene experienced conical deformation: in a stack of graphene sheets, a silicon sphere formed a funnel. In this case, in the upper layers, the formation of radial cracks occurred, which went in directions approximately corresponding to the corners of the crystal lattice of this material. Analysis of the results showed that at the places where the “bullets” hit, the graphene sheets were simply pulled into a cone, spreading the impact energy along the lines of the crystal lattice of the material. That is, the energy spread in the most resistant to tearing directions. In the case of penetration, along these lines cracks formed, which diverged in a circle at a certain distance from the place of impact of the “bullet”. In addition, it was found that graphene sends part of the kinetic energy back into the “bullet”, due to which the graphene sheets dissipate the impact energy much more efficiently than steel.

Speaking in terms of numbers, graphene is able to absorb energy on the order of 0,92 MJ / kg, while steel under comparable conditions usually absorbs on the order of 0,08 MJ / kg. The ability of graphene to effectively dissipate energy, scientists explain the high degree of rigidity in combination with a low density of the material. This means that energy can move through the material very quickly, while its effective absorption and dissipation into space takes place.

The fact that graphene is the most durable material in the world, exceeding even diamonds in strength characteristics, has been known to scientists before. But the ability of resistance of such armor "bullets" was proved only now in the entrance of the experiment. According to one of the co-authors of the study, Edwin Thomas of the University of Reis, graphene layers are able to quickly dissipate the impact energy, before they collapse. Scientists note that a similar effect in graphene is observed only until the speed of the released “bullets” at the moment of their impact with the material reaches the speed of sound in the material. At the same time, inside a light graphene, the speed of a sound wave can reach 22 km / s, in contrast to all 332 m / s in the air.

The process of obtaining graphene


The unique protective properties of graphene discovered by scientists resemble those that can be observed in ceramic armor. Ceramic armor is also able to actively absorb impact energy due to the destruction of the high-strength molecular lattice. Scientists believe that a possible combination of graphene and ceramics will help in the future to create lightweight, heavy-duty armor that can be used in the production of body armor. Such an armor with a weight in 1-2 kilogram would protect the soldier even from armor-piercing rifle bullets. According to scientists, the open armor properties of graphene can be useful to mankind in space: to protect satellites and other spacecraft, such as the ISS, probes, as well as advanced interplanetary ships as they move in the dangerous "littered" corners of our solar system, to which the Belt can be attributed Kuiper.

The latest discoveries of scientists allow in the future to increase the possible options for the practical use of graphene, but they cannot solve the problem of the complexity of its manufacturing process and its high cost. But even in spite of this, the use of such expensive material and technologies based on it can be fully justified when it comes not to producing mass commercial products (the same body armor), but to unique items, for example, for the same space industry.

Information sources:
http://zoom.cnews.ru/rnd/news/top/grafen_zashchishchaet_ot_gisperskorostnyh_pul_luchshe_stali
http://www.vesti.ru/doc.html?id=2159071&cid=2161
http://naked-science.ru/article/sci/graphene-bulletproof
http://gearmix.ru/archives/16591
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30 comments
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  1. +5
    3 December 2014 06: 40
    At the World Exhibition in 1855 in Paris, “silver from clay” made a splash. Emperor Napoleon III, at the table of which special honorary guests were served with aluminum appliances, had a burning desire to supply his army with light metal cuirasses. He gave Deville powerful support, and he built several aluminum smelters. But the metal he produced was still expensive. Only jewelry and luxury items were made from it.

    Graphene plants to be built laughing
    1. timer
      +4
      3 December 2014 23: 17
      It’s not worth fooling around, comrade. How many talented scientists have been blamed! This is a big loss for Russia. And how much is flowing now and still dump in the current state of Russia as a raw material colony?! The country's leadership does not give a damn. Smart and talented Russia bothers everyone.
      1. 0
        11 December 2014 18: 49
        Of course, at first it will be expensive and only for the most (Alfa, Vympel, I do not know who else is cool, Hardingush soldier ). Their lives are more expensive than graphene. And when there will be factories, it may be enough for all body armor.
  2. +4
    3 December 2014 07: 24
    For the first time, this material was synthesized in 2004 by physicists of Russian origin Konstantin Novoselov and Andrei Geim, who at that time worked in the UK. In 2010, both scientists shared the Nobel Prize in Physics for their discovery. In 2011, with both academic decrees of Queen Elizabeth II, she was awarded the title of Knight Bachelor for services to science, which gives them the right to add the title “sir” to their name.


    One of the many "brains" who fell over the hill.
    1. +4
      3 December 2014 13: 26
      - Under no circumstances will you go to Russia now, at least to the same Skolkovo? Even if you suddenly get such a proposal at the government level, backed by solid finances and strong guarantees?
      “You see, never say never.” But I have everything here, I am not interested in personal money. I live, I don’t need anything else, I have enough of my salary, I have everything, I have a well-functioning well-established laboratory. Why should I break it all and move somewhere? And most importantly, you raised the question upside down - let me put it in the opposite direction.
      On a fig, sorry for the expression, do I need Russia? I got my Nobel Prize, I’m 50 years old.
      You (we) need to look not for Nobel laureates, but to support those young guys who can discover something new, we do not need Nobel laureates. We need to support our own, which are, our talents.
    2. +4
      3 December 2014 13: 34
      A small remark. They did not "synthesize" it, but received it using "pencil-tape" technology. Synthesizing graphene of the desired quality has not yet (it seems) learned. The Nobel Prize was awarded for his research.
      For "advanced experiments with two-dimensional material - graphene" A. K. Geim and K. S. Novosyolov were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the 2010 year

      Theoretically, graphene has been known since the 60's, it simply could not be obtained and investigated all this time.
      1. +1
        4 December 2014 11: 29
        Quote: luiswoo
        Theoretically, graphene has been known since the 60's

        The chemist Benjamin Brodie was the first (1859 year) to test the effect of strong acids on graphite, and he received a suspension of graphene oxide crystals.

        Quote: luiswoo
        Synthesize graphene of the desired quality, have not yet (seemingly) learned

        An American company used Novosibirsk nanotubes to produce a flying drone

        Carbon Flyer is the world's first drone made entirely from carbon fiber using OCSiAl's nanotubes. In May, this company began production of nanotubes in Technopark. Novosibirsk Academgorodok. This is the first product in the world using such an amazing material, ”added Trident Design. The company spent 18 months on the creation of the flying prototype, and on November 25 launched a fundraiser to start production. Nanotubes are rolled up graphene sheets. Tubes are mass produced they can be of different lengths and diameters. There are various methods for producing nanotubes. They can be grown on special substrates, obtained in the process of explosion, dispersion, evaporation or exposure to plasma matter. The Novosibirsk enterprise NEVZ-CERAMIX also produces nanostructured materials, such as armor.

        facebook.com/carbonflyer/timeline
  3. 0
    3 December 2014 07: 26
    All this is similar to thermonuclear fusion - in principle, it is possible, but an effective power station has not yet been built. Well, graphene will have to be plowed for 30-50 years, while the real solution will be.
  4. +1
    3 December 2014 07: 48
    And when graphene was discovered what noise they raised in the media, they immediately "remembered" that they were like compatriots, primazin poured from the screens
    1. +5
      3 December 2014 08: 09
      They discovered graphene much earlier, the noise was about his research, and some incompetent journalists came up with the rest.
  5. +1
    3 December 2014 09: 12
    This is still a phase of experiments. But it can come to practice. Interesting development! Now the situation is such that lagging in some area is fraught, we must try to be ahead or at least go close. Here are just a few professional staff. The education system has collapsed, the stimulation is insufficient. Young people are eager for managers, managers, businessmen, for pop music, anywhere, if only not for production. Got game in capitalism!
  6. +2
    3 December 2014 09: 14
    For the first time this material was synthesized in 2004 by physicists of Russian origin Konstantin Novoselov and Andrei Game, who at that time worked in the UK.

    Well, where is Chubaisik with his nanobolts?
    1. 0
      12 December 2014 00: 09
      Where is Chubaisik? And there, where he was! Only 300 lard is not enough for him, he asks for another 100 lard. I dare to suggest that the Most Serene does not refuse friendship. Nanotechnology does not smell there, anything, but not by them. The Accounting Chamber conducted an audit, and they themselves were afraid of the results, hid it.
  7. +5
    3 December 2014 09: 27
    At the current cost of graphene, a soldier is cheaper to "put on" a tank lol
  8. +2
    3 December 2014 09: 51
    If such materials become available, this will revolutionize the technology. Scientists made a fuss and created a perfectly black coating based on carbon nanotubes:

    Surrey NanoSystems was able to create a material based on carbon nanotubes that absorbs almost all the light incident on it, thus being almost perfect black. Among the possible areas of its application are space observations.
    The material was created on a piece of foil, and carbon nanotubes were used in its creation, each of which is less than 10 times thinner than a human hair. Using these components allowed us to create a material that reflects back only 0,035 percent of the light incident on it.

    The material, called by the manufacturer Vantablack, is so black that it is not possible to distinguish any details on it, and the person who looks at him has the feeling that he turned his gaze into the abyss without a hint of any light.

    When exactly the promising material will be ready for use in practice is still unknown.

    More detailed article: http://ranews.ru/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1088

    In military technology, such material will also be in demand if it can be made affordable. For example, for a light-absorbing coating inside optical sights.
  9. +2
    3 December 2014 12: 10
    Mass production of graphene is expected in 40-50 years.
  10. 0
    3 December 2014 12: 20
    As I understand it, with regard to military developments, Soviet times are returning here.
    There is something that many can see and blab, but there is something that not everyone knows. And this is not for everyone will be able to surprise them.
    It is not for nothing that the states rose in many technologies only after the collapse of the USSR.
    1. +2
      3 December 2014 18: 59
      The US has been steadily developing technology all the time.
      The USSR competed with them. Then with the collapse of the USSR
      Russia stopped for a while, and the United States continued
      traffic. So a gap has formed.
  11. +2
    3 December 2014 18: 31
    Not only the United States rose, but almost the whole world. Only Russia with liberals in the leadership is marking time.
  12. buser
    +1
    3 December 2014 20: 47
    searches for ways to reduce the cost of synthe3a graphene in the world are in full swing. Just the other day, I read an article about the young chemist u3 of Ka3akhstan, Moldir Auelkhanky3y, who found a new way of synthesizing graphene by burning. He claims that this method is much cheaper than the existing ones ...
  13. +1
    3 December 2014 21: 53
    Russia is still marking time. And the capitalists, who feel the big gesheft, literally dig the earth. Graphene will displace the semiconductor era, and this is a breakthrough in the elemental base.
    1. 0
      3 December 2014 23: 08
      Russia is not trampling, but ramming the launch pad! You have to be careful, then you can see more.
    2. +1
      3 December 2014 23: 08
      Russia is not trampling, but ramming the launch pad! You have to be careful, then you can see more.
  14. +3
    3 December 2014 23: 11
    Russia has been marking itself for 25 years, on what was created by previous generations, then with blood. It is stamped diligently, trampled a lot, scattered a lot ..
  15. 0
    3 December 2014 23: 44
    There are many talented scientists and advanced technologies in Russia. And in some areas we are still leading, for now.
  16. +1
    3 December 2014 23: 50
    "About how many wonderful discoveries we have, is the Spirit preparing for enlightenment?"
    Scientists are the main, leading resource of any state.
  17. +2
    4 December 2014 13: 08
    At first there was an adhesive tape ....
  18. 0
    8 December 2014 11: 49
    Graphene is indeed a unique material with great potential. But its use on earth will have a rather detrimental effect both in ecology and on man himself.
    1. 0
      8 December 2014 13: 23
      Why? It is not radioactive. Carbon. Pencil leads
      (graphite) everyone saw, and in childhood they procrastinated in their mouths.
      1. 0
        8 December 2014 16: 24
        ttp: //hitech.vesti.ru/news/view/id/4611

        This is the case when it’s worth measuring seven times, and then thinking about whether to cut it.
      2. 0
        12 December 2014 00: 40
        Graphene is not radioactive, it is. Nevertheless, it is dangerous for living organisms, for biological tissues. When working with it, a certain precaution is necessary. Graphene has a high thermodynamic resistance, its small fragments can violate the integrity of the cell membrane, destroy DNA molecules of any genes. Which in turn can cause their mutation and degeneration of cells into malignant.
  19. The comment was deleted.
  20. 0
    2 December 2015 15: 32
    Different graphenes and similar decanters are needed. In order for specialists not to run away - education is needed - people need to distinguish themselves so that they do not get lost in the sea of ​​aggressive propaganda of debauchery pouring from the American media. In order for the SYSTEM to work in our country, it is NECESSARY TO EDUCATE CITIZENS at all levels. An integral part of EDUCATION is the presence of RESPONSIBILITY FOR ITS ACTIONS (any educator and teacher will say). So RESPONSIBILITY for actions is necessary. But for now, we see in the face - the absence thereof ... by and large, though. For the theft of a million for example, it’s not supposed to be removed from office, but felled for 15 years with confiscation ... Well, what’s wrong?

"Right Sector" (banned in Russia), "Ukrainian Insurgent Army" (UPA) (banned in Russia), ISIS (banned in Russia), "Jabhat Fatah al-Sham" formerly "Jabhat al-Nusra" (banned in Russia) , Taliban (banned in Russia), Al-Qaeda (banned in Russia), Anti-Corruption Foundation (banned in Russia), Navalny Headquarters (banned in Russia), Facebook (banned in Russia), Instagram (banned in Russia), Meta (banned in Russia), Misanthropic Division (banned in Russia), Azov (banned in Russia), Muslim Brotherhood (banned in Russia), Aum Shinrikyo (banned in Russia), AUE (banned in Russia), UNA-UNSO (banned in Russia), Mejlis of the Crimean Tatar People (banned in Russia), Legion “Freedom of Russia” (armed formation, recognized as terrorist in the Russian Federation and banned)

“Non-profit organizations, unregistered public associations or individuals performing the functions of a foreign agent,” as well as media outlets performing the functions of a foreign agent: “Medusa”; "Voice of America"; "Realities"; "Present time"; "Radio Freedom"; Ponomarev; Savitskaya; Markelov; Kamalyagin; Apakhonchich; Makarevich; Dud; Gordon; Zhdanov; Medvedev; Fedorov; "Owl"; "Alliance of Doctors"; "RKK" "Levada Center"; "Memorial"; "Voice"; "Person and law"; "Rain"; "Mediazone"; "Deutsche Welle"; QMS "Caucasian Knot"; "Insider"; "New Newspaper"