Telewyn t1_j9779bx wrote on February 19, 2023 at 7:57 PM

Reply to comment by PO0tyTng in Scientists create carbon nanotubes out of plastic waste using an energy-efficient, low-cost, low-emissions process. Compared to commercial methods for carbon nanotube production that are being used right now, ours uses about 90% less energy and generates 90%-94% less carbon dioxide by Wagamaga

So, useless for everything then? This will make tiny nanotubes that can't even be woven together, won't it?

Peantoo t1_j98n6l3 wrote on February 20, 2023 at 2:23 AM

Well to be fair, the act of weaving is specifically for making tiny strips into long ropes. Maybe they just need a super small weaver?

Also, carbon nanotubes have utility beyond being cables.

axonxorz t1_j98pbqk wrote on February 20, 2023 at 2:40 AM

And multiple uses as cable. Woven into cohesive fibres that are further woven into fabric or "rope"/cable, the traditional usage. Extremely low electrical resistance means collercial scale production could lead to lower cost conductors for megavolt-scale transmission

Skyrmir t1_j993oth wrote on February 20, 2023 at 4:47 AM

The short strands are used for surface coatings, and showed a lot of novel electronic properties that just weren't useful because of material costs.

We'd all like an easy answer for a space elevator, but faster, cheaper, or more efficient, electronics is always a bonus.