Due to its unique properties, graphene has long been regarded as a disruptive material that revolutionizes the current state of industrial and technological applications. EU 'Graphene Flagship Project' Is the largest multi-stakeholder research project in history in Europe to shape the future of graphene technology and has been running for 10 years with the grants of the European Graphene (Graphene) Flagship Project and has been devoted to the development of graphene and related layered Materials for future potential technology.Recently, the researchers responsible for the program through two experiments, For the first time, the great potential and feasibility of graphene for future applications in space are verified. The two experiments were carried out by the EU in cooperation with ESA and other research institutes. The experiment validated the graphene material under zero-gravity conditions. Light advance with Thermal management The application capabilities of the area have been very encouraging.
Graphene's unique electrical, thermal, light, strength, and weight characteristics make it an ideal choice for aerospace and satellite applications. In a series of experiments conducted late last year, The researchers of the 'Graphene Flagship Program' have specifically studied the feasibility of using graphene materials to improve space propulsion technology, as well as improving the performance of thermal management systems and circulating heat pipes.
In the first solar sail experiment, a research team at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands used the descent tower at 146 meters using the Space Technology and the ZARM Center in Bremen, Germany, Under microgravity (1 millionth of Earth's gravity) , To study the use of graphene in light sails.The researchers first designed a free-floating graphene film, and then exposed to the laser radiation pressure to observe and measure the thrust generated in order to overcome the initial Technical difficulties, the team repeated five experiments.In the experiment, containing graphene membrane capsule through the way of ejection, in a state of vacuum weight loss for about 10 seconds.
The second experiment investigated the use of graphene to enhance the heat transfer efficiency of the circulating heat pipe (cooling system widely used in satellites) to prolong its service life and enhance its autonomy.The traditional pipe contains a porous metal coated metal core, Heat can be conducted into the liquid to achieve cooling of the entire system. In the new experiment, researchers replaced two porous metallic coatings with two new graphene materials.After parabolic microgravity and over-flight testing, it was found that the thermal conductivity of the heat pipe improved by graphene was significantly improved. The duration of each flight test is 3 hours , The modified graphene aircraft to be completed during the experiment Thirty parabolic climbs , And each climb process should be maintained About 25 seconds Weightlessness.
Both experimental results verify the multi-functional properties of graphene, Researchers are currently studying further the effects of radiation pressure on graphene light sails and the development of graphene heat pipes to meet commercial applications.
The graphene carbon layer has only a single atomic thickness, and the two-dimensional hexagonal lattice structure makes it both thin and strong (strength is about 200 times that of steel) .In addition, graphene also has excellent electrical, optical, thermal and mechanical Performance, and almost transparent, all of these features make graphene a star material for scientists and engineers competing in research to pursue newer electronics with faster, thinner, stronger and more flexible electronics.
In order to explore the application potential of graphene, a number of industries have undergone radical changes to promote economic growth and employment. In the past 10 years, the 'Graphene Flagship Program' has covered the entire value chain system from materials to devices and systems. 23 countries of About 150 partner organizations The consortium of academic and industry experts coordinates and controls the normal operation of the program in all branches of research. The European Commission supports this program either through direct funding or through EU-funded projects (eg GRAPHENECORE 1 project).
Over time, the results of the 'Graphene Flagship Program' will continue to contribute to the development of graphene-specific applications, and another important mission of the Graphene Flagship Program is to provide research for students and young researchers Training platform and access to cutting-edge scientific research opportunities.