Graphene Flagship to showcase innovations at ILA Berlin
Our project will exhibit the exciting applications of graphene for aerospace in leading industrial tradeshow ILA Berlin, from 22 to 26 June 2022.
Although just one-atom thick, graphene is the strongest and lightest material known to mankind. These properties make it especially attractive for the aerospace industry, with applications that range from resilient aircraft parts to 3D-printed devices for zero-gravity environments. The Graphene Flagship will highlight its latest innovations in this field at ILA Berlin, a think tank of the aerospace industry. Between 22 and 26 June 2022, leading stakeholders from industry, science and government will meet to discuss today’s challenges, as well as tomorrow’s opportunities.
Since its inception in 2013, the Graphene Flagship has invested in aeronautics and space. Among other things, our collaborations led to lighter leading edge parts for aircraftand the first ever trip of 2D materials to space! Graphene – as well as other layered materials – improves the mechanical properties of components, enabling lighter aircraft, while improving functionality.
This results in significant fuel savings, reduced costs and greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, graphene provides promising opportunities for human space exploration.
The possibilities include 3D-printed batteries and parts, new biomaterials for better wound healing, graphene-enabled cooling systems and solar sails, key to fuel-free propulsion systems.
Some prototypes have already been tested in different zero-gravity parabolic flight campaigns and sounding rockets, in collaboration with the European Space Agency.
After promising preliminary results, the Graphene Flagship awarded two Spearhead Projects to research and innovation in aerospace: GICE and AeroGRaFT, coordinated by industrial leaders at Airbus and Lufthansa Technik, respectively.