Scientists from Trento, Italy, believe that if you spray the web with graphene (the strongest material known to science), it will be strong enough for catching a falling aircraft. Graphene is two-hundredfold stronger than steel and is considered the strongest, thinnest, most light material on the planet. It is composed of one layer of pure carbons, arranged in a hexagonal pattern. Scientists believe it to be a 2-dimensional material because of its thinness. Spider silk is the strongest material in nature. Professor of Solid and Structural Mechanics, University of Trento, Nicola Pugno wondered what would happen if spider silk was combined with graphene. An extremely strong spider web would be made with graphene. Professor Pugno, along with colleagues, sprayed five Pholcidae spiders with a mix of graphene and water. They also spray ten spiders using water mixed with carbon-nanotubes to compare the results. Some spiders produce poor quality silk while others get the benefit of the graphene mixture. The web was about 3.5x stronger and more durable than a regular spider web. Scientists are unable to explain the origin of the graphene and carbon nanotubes in spider silk. Professor Pugno suggested that carbon coatings may be applied to the ends of the strands. However, this would not account for the stronger strands. Professor Pugno, along with colleagues, think spiders gather materials from around the web and use them to make silk. The mixture killed four spiders within a few hours. Researchers say it is still too early to know how the new silk might be applied. They suggested that a huge net might be used to capture falling planes. One day, every airport will have special spider colonies on-hand. Researchers say that they are looking into other ways to produce graphene-based materials, like spraying silkworms. Professor Pugno stated in an interview that the New Scientist could use this concept to create materials with better characteristics. In April, a team of international scientists discovered graphene is capable of converting light into electricity at amazing speeds. Their discovery may have major implications for several technologies including data communication applications and solar cells. Video – Graphene
A graphene-sprayed spider web can catch a falling plane
