How ‘wonder material’ graphene became a national security concern

UK and China are racing to develop forms of super-strong technology – with potential aerospace and weaponry usesA large shed on an unassuming industrial estate beside Swansea ’s River Tawe does not at first glance seem vital to the UK’s national security. The facility, run by a small company called Perpetuus , sits beside a mortuary and a parcel depot.Earlier this month, the company, which makes graphene – a “wonder material” made of a single layer of carbon atoms – grabbed the attention of the government, which said it wouldinvestigate a possible takeover involving a Chinese academic, in a highly unusual move that startled industry observers.Continue reading...
Source: Guardian Unlimited Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Manufacturing sector Materials science China Business UK news Wales Nanotechnology Kwasi Kwarteng Manchester Swansea Physics Source Type: news