When it comes to 3D printing, the sky is the limit. As 3D printing technology continues to advance, applications can be as far reaching as airplane and automobile parts to medical devices and even anatomically correct, biocompatible models. Although 3D printing technology is developing at a rapid pace, the technology itself is not new. It emerged in the 1980s as a means of creating rapid prototypes. In recent years the applications for 3D printed models have evolved with the available hardware, software, and printable materials. Evolving technology, paired with the creative and innovative minds of scientists, engineers, and physicians, has been the launching pad for developments within 3D printing technology specific to healthcare. One way 3D printing technology is poised to create better patient outcomes is in creating an anatomically and patient-specific models to aid in surgery and medical procedures. With the capability to 3D ...
For most people, the word “polymer” conjures up images of plastic GI Joe action figures or maybe grocery bags, but it is time to rethink polymers. Materials science has come a long way, and polymers today are more than just polystyrene. Polymers are used for cars, medical devices and advanced electronics, and just recently, scientists from the Moscow Institute of Technology have discovered a method for synthesizing an ultrahard material with polymers that is harder than diamonds.
Diamond synthesis
That’s right. Diamonds. The purported gold standard of hardness has been surpassed. Previous efforts to create materials comparable to the precious gemstone have focused on nanoengineering carbon, and some have even succeeded. In fact, back in 2011, scientists from Stanford University were able to produce an amorphous, synthetic diamond by exposing carbon to ultrahigh pressure in the lab. The noncrystalline structure has the appearance of glass, and was able to sustain as much as 130 gigapascals of pressure, which is impressive for a synthetic diamond. Even the best formed natural diamonds can only sustain approximately 150 gigapascals.
That’s right. Diamonds. The purported gold standard of hardness has been surpassed. Previous efforts to create materials comparable to the precious gemstone have focused on nanoengineering carbon, and some have even succeeded. In fact, back in 2011, scientists from Stanford University were able to produce an amorphous, synthetic diamond by exposing carbon to ultrahigh pressure in the lab. The noncrystalline structure has the appearance of glass, and was able to sustain as much as 130 gigapascals of pressure, which is impressive for a synthetic diamond. Even the best formed natural diamonds can only sustain approximately 150 gigapascals.
Diamonds dethroned! Polymers are the new king of hardness
Stanford’s amorphous diamond is impressive, but it’s actually a bit late to the party. Almost 20 years ago, a team of researchers from Rice University created fullerene, a spherical carbon construct that can reach hardnesses of nearly double that of diamonds. The scientists won the Nobel Prize in recognition of their hard work, but there was one problem: fullerene could only be produced under 13 gigapascals of pressure, which can only be accomplished in very small scale laboratory settings. Additionally, fullerene production required upwards of 820 degrees Celsius, adding yet another challenge. Since this can’t possibly be scaled using existing technologies, fullerene has remained as little more than a scientific novelty that could not see wide-scale manufacturing and distribution… until now.
Stanford’s amorphous diamond is impressive, but it’s actually a bit late to the party. Almost 20 years ago, a team of researchers from Rice University created fullerene, a spherical carbon construct that can reach hardnesses of nearly double that of diamonds. The scientists won the Nobel Prize in recognition of their hard work, but there was one problem: fullerene could only be produced under 13 gigapascals of pressure, which can only be accomplished in very small scale laboratory settings. Additionally, fullerene production required upwards of 820 degrees Celsius, adding yet another challenge. Since this can’t possibly be scaled using existing technologies, fullerene has remained as little more than a scientific novelty that could not see wide-scale manufacturing and distribution… until now.
Cutting costs, not corners
Recently, scientists from the Moscow Institute of Technology discovered a method by which fullerene can be produced under much lower pressures, but with comparable results. By adding carbon disulfide to the polymer blend of reagents, the synthesis of fullerene is greatly accelerated. In fact, the carbon disulfide reduces the amount of pressure required to manufacture fullerene from 13 gigapascals to a mere eight gigapascals. Furthermore, this new form of fullerene can be produced at room temperature instead of the scorching 820 degrees Celsius that it previously required. This means that fullerene will finally be something that can be mass produced and used in industrial manufacturing, drilling and other applications previously reserved for diamonds.
Recently, scientists from the Moscow Institute of Technology discovered a method by which fullerene can be produced under much lower pressures, but with comparable results. By adding carbon disulfide to the polymer blend of reagents, the synthesis of fullerene is greatly accelerated. In fact, the carbon disulfide reduces the amount of pressure required to manufacture fullerene from 13 gigapascals to a mere eight gigapascals. Furthermore, this new form of fullerene can be produced at room temperature instead of the scorching 820 degrees Celsius that it previously required. This means that fullerene will finally be something that can be mass produced and used in industrial manufacturing, drilling and other applications previously reserved for diamonds.
When asked about this breakthrough research, Mikhail Popov, leading author of the research and head of the laboratory of functional nanomaterials at the Technological Institute for Superhard and Novel Carbon Materials, said “The discovery described in this article [the catalytic synthesis of ultrahard fullerite] will create a new research area in materials science because it substantially reduces the pressure required for synthesis and allows for manufacturing the material and its derivatives on an industrial scale.”
New applications
This is great news for many industries that would like to use diamonds, but can’t because of the cost associated with the precious stone. Of course, industrial diamonds exist, but they are by their very nature incredibly small, and typically only used as an abrasives. Even then, it is possible that this method of fullerene production could eventually be more cost effective than the creation of industrial diamonds. So it might not be long before those diamond-encrusted saw blades and drill bits are coated with fullerene instead.
This is great news for many industries that would like to use diamonds, but can’t because of the cost associated with the precious stone. Of course, industrial diamonds exist, but they are by their very nature incredibly small, and typically only used as an abrasives. Even then, it is possible that this method of fullerene production could eventually be more cost effective than the creation of industrial diamonds. So it might not be long before those diamond-encrusted saw blades and drill bits are coated with fullerene instead.
Since fullerene will not be as limited in size as industrial diamonds, it could also be used for a wider array of purposes. For instance, it could be used to create low friction microbearings or wear-resistant parts. It could even be used to create diamond speaker domes for the most discerning of audiophiles.
Whatever it ends up being used for, one thing is certain, it’s time we rethink polymers. They’re more than just plastics.
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