What Are Nanotubes?

Carbon nanotubes were first discovered in 1991 by a S. Iijima and since the conception of this amazing material, the applications and uses of nanotubes has been expanded to a seemingly endless realm of possibilities. Nanotubes can contribute to breakthroughs in semi-conductor technology, thermal conduction, advanced electrical systems and possibly even armor. The list goes on an on. As studies in nano-technologies continues, more and more attributes are being discovered about this interesting material and the fascinating properties that make nanotubes the material of the future.

Many people often hear of nano-materials and nanotubes but just what nanotubes are and what they do is often lost in translation. A piece of carbon nanotube for example is microscopic (measured in nanometers) while maintaining a strength that can be over 100 times stronger than steel. The material itself is formed by linking together hexagons of carbon atoms together. After rolling a sheet of the carbon into a cylinder, the material takes on a much stronger form. Working on this microscopic level it is possible to engineer a material so strong and elastic it could change the world as we know it. Although we may not see nanotubes in our lives today, scientists can agree that nanotubes will revolutionize everything from electronics to transportation in the not so distant future.

Nanotubes are by far one of the strongest materials ever discovered by man and because of this it has been subject to an increasing amount of brainstorming and scientific study. One idea that has sparked interest among scientists is the concept of a 'space elevator', or a mechanism by which humans could ascend into space without the use of rocket technology. This idea would not be much different than the components used in elevators in any building on earth. By connecting a synchronously orbiting satellite to a docking station on earth with a long nanotube tether, it could be possible to send astronauts and satellites into space much more efficiently than ever believed. Because of the money this would save on fuel and transportation costs the launch, maintenance and safe return of equipment would be much easier. Astronauts and civilians alike could potentially see space and even the moon at an affordable price.

Aside from the remarkable strength and elasticity of carbon nanotubes, there is another characteristic that makes this material have so much potential in the future. A single walled piece of nano tube has been found to have very interesting conductive properties. Because of this, nanotubes may be able to create smaller but stronger complex electrical systems. Imagine, a computer with three times the efficiency and durability at a fraction of the size.

Nanotube technology is still in it's infant stages of development but it's possible to look forward to seeing, very soon, this technology applied to a seemingly infinite number of objects that we encounter and use on a day to day basis. Everything from cellphones to automobile safety is eligible to be changed forever thanks to this incredible leap of progress. Because of the malleable functions carbon nanotubes exhibit, it is easy to drift off and imagine what this technology can provide for the world.

Information gathered from the IBM Research Nanoscale Science Department: (http://www.research.ibm.com/nanoscience/nanotubes.html)