(Nanowerk News) Ultra-thin layers of carbon called graphene - heralded for its superconductive properties - could be harmful to the lungs when produced in a particular form. | |
Nanoplatelet use | |
The flexibility of these disc-shaped particles - known as nanoplatelets - mean they can be readily incorporated into plastic and rubber. | |
This gives these materials new and useful properties. | |
The nanoplatelets can also be used to enhance the electronic properties of touch screens. | |
Nanoplatelets are less than one carbon atom thick and invisible to the naked eye. | |
Aerodynamic action | |
Scientists studying nanoplatelets found they behaved like tiny Frisbees, and stay airborne. | |
Their aerodynamic properties mean that when inhaled the nanoplatelets can find their way deeper into the lungs compared with other forms of graphene. | |
The particles could accumulate in the lungs and cause damage. | |
Impact on manufacturing industry | |
This could potentially affect the health of people involved in manufacturing and handling graphene-based nanoplatelets. | |
The study, which looked at the aerodynamic and toxic properties of graphene-based nanoplatelets, was published in the journal ACS Nano ("Graphene-Based Nanoplatelets: A New Risk to the Respiratory System as a Consequence of Their Unusual Aerodynamic Properties"). |
Source: University of Edinburgh