Folded graphene films reach 2.9 GPa strength

A Nature study reports that graphene films built from surface-folded multilayer graphene oxide flakes achieved a measured strength of 2.9 gigapascals, toughness of 84.5 megajoules per cubic meter and elastic strain of 5%.^[1] The researchers attribute the combination of properties to a folded, clasping structure between layers.^[1]

The team proposes that the folds change how forces travel through the film and help transfer stress between layers.^[1] These are measurements from engineered films, not evidence of performance in commercial products; the study describes lightweight structural components as a potential application.^[1]