[Question] Any graphene in SA?

[irneb]

Anyone know of some things being done in SA using graphene? Or is this a pipe-dream to think that we might be ahead of the curve?

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/04/13/bend-it-charge-it-dunk-it-graphene-the-material-of-tomorrow/?_php=true&_type=blogs&_r=0

[desA]

Why would you think that the lowest tip of Darkest Africa would be ahead of any technology curve?

[league_of_ordinary_men]

That is a really cool material, but sadly I don't think any one is doing anything with it here yet. If it takes off the way they think it will then it will be a game changer to a lot of industries.

[adrianh]

Why would you think that the lowest tip of Darkest Africa would be ahead of any technology curve?

We did recently invent another use for the bucket - who would have thought that one could use it to distribute human excrement throughout the foyer of an international airport!

So yes, we are ahead of the technological (letting the proverbial $h1t fly) curve ....

[irneb]

Why would you think that the lowest tip of Darkest Africa would be ahead of any technology curve?

Wishful thinking I guess! Apart from the transportation terminal excrement distribution device ... I hoped we were slightly further along than the stone age.

Though it would be a very interesting idea ... imagine having the next Silicon Valley in Boksburg! Only we would then call it Carbon Valley!

[desA]

... imagine having the next Silicon Valley in Boksburg!

Eeesh... My imagination is struggling to stretch that far...

[adrianh]

Boksburg - Silicone valley....sounds more like boob jobs & silicone sealer to me!

[Chrisjan B]

Geez, I was born in Boksburg ! BUT I moved away when I was 4 moths old! PHEW!!!!

[wynn]

How about replacing burglar guards with a film of this stuff, give us the feeling of not living in a prison and the burglars a reason to leave us alone?

[IanF]

Here are see through burglar bars http://seethrusecurity.co.za/see-thru-security/

[Justloadit]

Great, but with a lighter and a newspaper, I can melt my way through it, with out making a noise.

[irneb]

Here are see through burglar bars http://seethrusecurity.co.za/see-thru-security/

Another type I've used before: http://www.trellidor.co.za/clear_guard.htm
IMO even better

That might be a very good SA-type-of use for it! Especially since it's got so much of the properties which might make if a lot better than steel / plastic:

• Transparent, so you could even use as replacement for glass in fixed-pane windows. Though open panes would still require a perforated mesh (like Trellidor's ClearView) / bars (like the seethrough security bars).
• Much stronger than steel (100 to 300 times)
• Best electric conductor we know of - so your security system can run through it without extra wires.
• Can double as photo voltaic - so you can use your windows as solar panels.
• Can be mixed with any water / mineral soluble substance (while in its graphene-oxide form), e.g. ceramics to make any colours or opacity you prefer.

Price-wise though it seems a bit high (though I'm not sure how far it goes in the oxide form) - http://www.cheaptubesinc.com/graphene-oxide.htm

[irneb]

Boksburg - Silicone valley....sounds more like boob jobs & silicone sealer to me!

I suppose Boksburg is not the greatest example! And it might not be called a "valley" ... rather "ditch" ... but that could sound even more offensive!

[wynn]

I suppose Boksburg is not the greatest example! And it might not be called a "valley" ... rather "ditch" ... but that could sound even more offensive!

'Bez Valley'???

[wynn]

Ok so lets find out how much it costs, if it makes financial sense lets, as 'forumsa', revolutionize the security industry, even Oscar couldn't use the assailant excuse if this works???