Super hard suit driving electricity

2003/09/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Materialak
• Fisika

In the USA made a special fabric. It is made of carbon nanotubes, very resistant and conductive electricity.

Since making carbon nanotubes in 1991, scientists have tried to make a material with them. In fact, the close relationship between carbon atoms makes nanotubes extremely hard. But they couldn't put the nanotubes together.

Three years ago, French researchers manufactured nanofrio fibers by mixing PVA polymer, water and nanotubes, but only measured 20 cm. Now, starting from this work, they have managed to manufacture fibers of several hundred meters in length at the University of Texas.

To do this they pass the mixture through a rotating tube, which seems to allow a better union of the components of the fiber. The result is 4 times the spider thread and 17 times harder than Kevlar. It also has the ability to drive electricity. Therefore, they consider that it will be ideal for many applications.