A Guide to Graphene: Definition, Fabric, Uses, and More!

Graphene is a relatively new material and was first discovered in 2004. Graphene is taking the world by storm which is seen in its global market value in 2020 of $620 million. China is the lead manufacturer of graphene and has invested plenty in investigating the fabric further and putting it to more uses. On the other hand, companies in the US are moving fast to lead on graphene applications.

The wide range of graphene applications is astonishing. Read on to learn what graphene is all about, where it’s used, and how graphene fabric came to be. 

What is Graphene?

Graphene is a chemical compound and a form of carbon. It is extremely thin and comprises one layer of atoms in a 2-d (flat) honeycomb structure. Graphene is the basis of graphite sub-units, while graphite is crystal-forming carbon. You can find graphite anywhere, including in pencils. 

So, if you draw a line with your pencil, you will be face to face with graphite and graphene. However, graphene is extremely thin and can’t be seen without an instrument. In fact, 0.001 millimetres of graphite amounts to 1,000 sheets of graphene. 

History of Graphene

Graphene was a topic of discussion in scientific circles since 1859, but only theoretically. Nobody identified or isolated it before 2004. That year, Andre Geim and Konstantin Novoselov solved the seemingly unsolvable problem. They isolated the compound at the University of Massachusetts through their own experimental method.

The scientists got a Nobel Prize a few years after. Since then, things have only been evolving. The National Graphene Institute started supporting research in 2014. And soon after, they made the first graphene electronic device. 

Characteristics

What makes graphene so special is its unique and almost otherworldly features. For instance, it is two-dimensional and only an atom thin, which makes it thinner than paper. However, it is a few hundred times stronger than steel (tensile strength) and harder than diamond.

It also has metal properties, even though it is non-metallic. For instance, it has better electrical conductivity than copper and offers impeccable heat conductivity as well. In addition, even though it is extremely thin and nearly transparent, graphene lets even the smallest gas atoms pass through it. It also has a unique light absorption and can withstand a weight that is equal to an average cat. 

Application

With its unique features, we can apply graphene to many industries. However, since its discovery is new, scientists are still investigating the vast range of potential applications. So far, here are the industries which know can benefit from this out-worldly compound:

• Computers and electronics
• Sportswear and equipment
• DNA sequencing
• Solar and energy industries
• Transport
• Medicine
• Desalination
• Ecology

Like all new technological innovations, graphene sparked an interest among artists and entrepreneurs. That is how Graphene-X began its journey. We wanted to revolutionise techwear with graphene and are on our way.

Explore the Best Graphene Fabric Options at Graphene-X

Witness the finest application of graphene fabric in clothing and let us at Graphene-X find your best fit! 

Pioneers in our industry, we introduced graphene in clothing. Our shop features a variety of techwear pieces, including socks, jackets, pants, and T-shirts made of top-notch graphene integrated fabrics.

Our pieces push comfort and durability to the next level and are lightweight, with superior insulation and ventilation! - visit us today to learn more!