What Does
Graphene Mean?
Graphene is an atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure (similar to that of a honeycomb). Graphene possesses many extraordinary and unconventional properties. While it is known as the thinnest material on earth (only one atom in width), it is considered to be one of the lightest, most conductive and strongest (over 200 times stronger than steel) man-made materials ever tested under laboratory conditions.
Corrosionpedia Explains Graphene
Graphene is essentially an individual layer of graphite, one of the most common allotropes of carbon. The structure of graphene resembles that of a hexagonal-shaped net with interlinking carbon atoms.
While the existence of graphene was known among the scientific community for many years, it wasn’t until 2004 that it was successfully extracted under laboratory conditions by two researchers, Professors Andre Geim and Kostya Novoselov, at the University of Manchester.
Graphene is known for its remarkable physical and mechanical properties including, but not limited to:
- Extraordinarily high tensile strength
- High electrical conductivity
- High thermal conductivity
- Corrosion and chemical resistance
- High adhesion properties
These attributes make graphene ideal as an additive to enhance the properties of various products such as paints, coatings and inks.