From toothbrushes to aerospace: Graphene research advances fibers that conduct heat efficiently
KAIST's discovery of graphene oxide liquid crystals in 2011 laid the foundation for 15 years of research worldwide, leading to technologies for producing graphene fibers with high strength and thermal conductivity. The fundamental materials research that helped bring antibacterial toothbrushes and functional sportswear to market is now advancing into materials for thermal management.
In 2011, KAIST researchers discovered graphene oxide liquid crystals, a phenomenon that has driven 15 years of global research leading to advanced graphene fiber technology. These fibers exhibit exceptional strength and thermal conductivity, with the latter measured at up to 1,720 watts per meter per kelvin in recent studies. The alignment of graphene oxide sheets during fiber production is crucial for reducing voids and defects, making the fibers more efficient at conducting heat and withstanding greater stress.
Notably, researchers at Zhejiang University have recently developed a method using highly viscous glycerol to enhance the drawing of graphene oxide fibers, resulting in aligned sheets with even fewer defects. This improvement in fiber quality has led to applications in various fields, including antibacterial toothbrushes, sporting apparel, and potentially aerospace and electronic device components.
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