Scientists shoot carbon nanotubes out of high-speed gun (w/ video)
Monday, June 23, 2014 - 08:30
in Physics & Chemistry
(Phys.org) —What happens when you shoot multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) out of a gun onto an aluminum target at a velocity of more than 15,000 mph? Scientists finally have the answer. If a nanotube reaches the target at a 90° angle (head-on), it will break and deform quite drastically. However, if it is parallel to the target upon impact, the nanotube will unzip, resulting in a 2D graphene nanoribbon. This observation is unexpected, since previous simulations have shown that nanotubes break into pieces when subjected to large mechanical forces.