Graphene

One of the industries most likely to benefit from Graphene is the Aerospace industry. Graphene opens up the possibilities for lighter, stronger, safer and more fuel efficient aircraft. Large aerospace companies such as Boeing and Airbus are already showing a keen interest in how graphene might advance the industry. Right now graphene can be added to composite components to increase their strength and durability. In the future we should see entire fuselages or wings enhanced with graphene. One of the most beneficial aspects of using graphene in aerospace, when it comes to safety at least, is the protection of the aircraft from a lightning strike. One graphene R&D company is working on a graphene conductive epoxy resin, that when combined with carbon fiber will make a highly conductive carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composite, that is hoped will protect an aircraft from such strikes. The current method is to use a metallic mesh throughout the aircraft but with this comes and extra weight and cost element, both of which graphene should reduce. Graphene can also be deployed in other areas of the aircraft to increase safety. One of these is the fuel tank system. It is dangerous for water to be present in an aircraft's fuel tank, and with planes flying at high altitudes ice can easily build up and create water contamination in the fuel system. The conventional method is to drain the water off through valves in the base of the tank, but the valves cannot distinguish between water and fuel, making the loss of fuel a distinct possibility. However a graphene membrane in the fuel tank floor would allow unwanted water to drain out, while keeping the fuel in. Membranes based on graphene oxide have been proven to be completely impermeable to liquids, vapors, and gases, while allowing the unimpeded permeation of water.

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