Using Graphene To Potentially Help Save Lives

doitvoluntarily (77)in #science • 7 years ago

Scientists have recently been successful in manufacturing graphene that changes color when it cracks.

This is remarkable because that graphene coating could be used for infrastructure projects like bridges, planes, and more. If there are any breaks or fractures, then the graphene coating is going to change color.

By changing color it can help to save lives by helping the inspectors to know when it is necessary to do some repairs.

The researchers from the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research published their findings in the journal Material Horizons. The researchers say that they looked to the design in fish scales and the inner shell of mussels in order to get some inspiration for their design. The scientists designed the graphene coating so that it would amplify certain wavelengths of light, dulling others at the same time.

The graphene flakes are placed at certain angles so that if they ever become comprised, that they would bounce light back in a different direction and effectively change color.

At the moment, it can sometimes be quite difficult in order to locate specific damage with regard to the structural integrity of bridges and airplanes etc. So this really could change things in helping professionals to spot a problem when there is one.

It has even been suggested that this coating might be used for space stations, as currently it cost a lot of money in order to send the proper equipment up to deal with any potential fracture or issue. Applying this graphene coating might be an easy way to boost efficiency so that astronauts can better pin-point any issues to deal with.