Since the Ancient Egyptians wove sections of papyrus together, we have enjoyed the ability to record our thoughts upon a medium lighter than stone or wood. While browsing through Cnn.Com today, I saw something that caught my attention.
Revolutionary paper, in general, is something that I'm always interested in. I have been looking for paper that is made from more renewable sources (hemp, etc.), but there's not much research going on in the field as of late. When I saw the link to this story I had to check it out.
I doubt that anyone will be using this new type of "paper" to scribble on any time soon. The new paper, called "Buckypaper" was developed through research into composite materials at Florida University A&M.
From CNN.COM
Buckypaper is 10 times lighter but potentially 500 times stronger than steel when sheets of it are stacked and pressed together to form a composite. Unlike conventional composite materials, though, it conducts electricity like copper or silicon and disperses heat like steel or brass.
From Wikipedia:
Buckypaper is a thin sheet made from an aggregate of carbon nanotubes.[1] The nanotubes are approximately 50,000 times thinner than a human hair.[1] Originally, it was fabricated as a way to handle carbon nanotubes, but in 2008 is being studied and developed into applications by several research groups, showing promise as a building material for aerospace vehicles, body armor and next-generation electronics and displays.
I don't understand all of the physics, chemistry or mad alchemy behind such a material, but I hope that this might lead us to a continued appreciation for where such innovation originated.
Though researchers now are more likely to use laptops more so than small notebooks, it's good to hear that "paper" and pen have yet to be completely forgotten.Personally, I find the notebooks of early researchers (Leonardo Da Vinci), to be treasured works on par with illuminated bibles.
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