Fullerite

This animation of a rotating Carbon nanotube shows its 3D structure.

Fullerites are the solid-state manifestation of fullerenes and related compounds and materials.

Types of fullerite

Polymerized single walled nanotubes (P-SWNT) are a class of fullerites and are comparable to diamond in terms of hardness. However, due to the way that nanotubes intertwine, P-SWNTs don't have the corresponding crystal lattice that makes it possible to cut diamonds neatly. This same structure results in a less brittle material, as any impact that the structure sustains is spread out throughout the material. Because nanotubes are still very expensive to produce in useful quantities, uses for a material lighter and stronger than steel will have to wait until nanotube production becomes more economically viable.

See also

*Ultrahard fullerite

External links

*Introduction to fullerites
*Introduction to P-SWNT