In the new year I plan to start a series “future kong” where I will be highlighting new technologies and cutting edge concepts primed for future investment, as well as researching the companies involved.
If you haven’t already heard of “graphene” you’d better listen up.
What is graphene?
Graphene is a revolutionary carbon based material made of a single layer of carbon atoms that are bonded together in a repeating pattern of hexagons. Graphene is one million times thinner than paper. So thin in fact…….that it is actually considered two dimensional.
Paradoxically, Graphene is also said to be the strongest material every made. So strong in fact, that if we rolled out a single sheet ( less than the thickness of plastic wrap ) and could balance an elephant on the head of a pencil – the tip could not break through.Yes…….that kind of strong.
Graphene’s special properties don’t stop there…not even close:
- Conductive: Electrons are the particles that make up electricity. So when graphene allows electrons to move quickly, it is allowing electricity to move quickly. It is known to move electrons 200 times faster than silicon because they travel with such little interruption. It is also an excellent heat conductor. Graphene is conductive independent of temperature and works normally at room temperature.
- Strong: As mentioned earlier, it would take an elephant with excellent balance to break through a sheet of graphene. It is very strong due to its unbroken pattern and the strong bonds between the carbon atoms. Even when patches of graphene are stitched together, it remains the strongest material out there.
- Flexible: Those strong bonds between graphene’s carbon atoms are also very flexible. They can be twisted, pulled and curved to a certain extent without breaking, which means graphene is bendable and stretchable.
- Transparent: Graphene absorbs 2.3 percent of the visible light that hits it, which means you can see through it without having to deal with any glare.
With only about 10 years of practical research thus far, the real world applications are endless, including production of solar cells “hundreds of thousands of times thinner and lighter” than those that rely on silicon, more efficient computer transistors, “bendable electronics”, applications in engineering/building as well space aeronautics – and the list goes on.
So far there are a few companies worth taking a look at as early adopters / movers in the space.
Graftech International Ltd. ( symbol GTI ) is on my radar, looking for a pullback since its recent break out.
I know that you are long (and interested in) space advancement, so let’s hope graphene also solves the space elevator problem. IMO, that would be one of the most worthwhile investments for mankind. Just build it already 😉
No kidding – the space elevator has been on the table for many years, and would be an absolutely fantastic advancement.
Graphene “could” most certainly be a HUGE step forward.
Very cool info. Thanks Kong.
Having read several books on the 1947 Roswell “UFO” incident, the material, described by “witnesses” involed in the cleanup of the “debris field” appeared to be the outer skin of the “vehicle”. It was a very thin, strong, maleable and almost indestructible “foil-like” sheeting. Your subject today makes me wonder…. Graphene?…or just a “myth” as claimed by the US “military/industrial complex” of the time. Feliz Navidad
Absolutely John.
If an alien civilization has indeed travelled to Earth, the technology required would be so far beyond that of our current “steam engines” (comparebly) that something like “Graphene” could easily have been developed and used for 1000’s of years.
Considering the universe is said to be 13 billion years old….there could be any number of civilizations out there – MILLIONS OF YEARS AHEAD OF US.
Imagine what humans will be capable of / creating in even the next 100 years considering what we’ve done in the previous hundred, then multiply X 1000!
Graphene is “an atom thick” so…..I’m wondering when “bio technology” and “robotics” further mesh……graphene stints / arteries / skin etc…..
Man….If I can get an order in for a “graphene enhanced liver”…..sign me up!
Not at all out of the realm of possibility.
Dr. Kong – that’s just one thing I like about your thinking process – Always thinking ahead – a must in this day & age or ones is left behind becoming a relic….. all the best Schmed,
I’m just looking to get home Schmed ( being “from” the future of course ).
He he he…..yes – My real passion – the future, with forex being the best place I’ve been able to apply myself with respect to making a buck in the short term.
I started a “civilians in space” information portal back in 2000, highlighting the work of Burt Rutan ( creator of Spaceship 1 – now purchased by Richard Branson / Virgin Galactic ) but couldn’t find a model to generate money. That was 13 years ago.
My time will come. Perhaps things will grow from here at Forex Kong.
Merry Ho ho ho !
Bonds ripping here – I would keep a keen eye out here on them…..
I came across graphene around a year ago through this video. It was mind blowing. Charging a phone or a car (!) in seconds, earth friendly, green, recyclable, i was just speechless watching this. It’s easy to make, the possibilites are endless. https://vimeo.com/51873011
Kong i look forward to the other “future” posts in 2014. It’s a pleasure reading you (almost) everyday.
Reblogged this on Forex Trading with Kong and commented:
I dug this gem up from the early days……its worth another look as graphene “will” be a game changer. Say hello to hotels in space.