Graphene is a one-atom-thick sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. It is the thinnest, strongest, and most conductive material known to date. However, graphene is also brittle and difficult to handle, making it difficult to use in real-world applications.
Sticky tape is a common material used to hold two surfaces together. It works by creating a strong adhesive bond between the two surfaces. However, it is not known how sticky tape works on graphene.
The team of researchers used a supercomputer model to simulate the interaction between sticky tape and graphene. The model showed that sticky tape creates a strong adhesive bond with graphene by forming a network of microscopic bridges between the two materials. These bridges are formed by the sticky tape's adhesive polymer chains wrapping around the graphene atoms.
The findings of this study could lead to the development of new adhesive materials that can be used to hold graphene in place for real-world applications.
"This study provides a fundamental understanding of how sticky tape works on graphene," said Dr. James Hone, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Manchester. "This understanding could lead to the development of new adhesive materials that can be used to hold graphene in place for real-world applications."
The study was published in the journal Nature Materials.
