Researchers at Monash University, Melbourne, Australia, have created an ultra-lightweight and flexible elastomer from graphene. With a sponge-like texture, this new material has the capability of sensing an astonishing array of frequencies in pressure and vibration.

According to Dr Ling Qiu, the elastomer “far exceeds the response range of our skin. It also has a very fast response time, much faster than conventional polymer elastomer. Although we often take it for granted, the pressure sensors in our skin allow us to do things like hold a cup without dropping it, crushing it, or spilling the contents. The sensitivity and response time of the elastomer could allow a prosthetic hand or a robot to be even more dexterous than a human.”

The full versatility of graphene remains unknown, but with more and more applications for the ‘wonder material’ appearing all over the world, it may be only a matter of time before it is used in prosthetic human limb replacement. It stands to reason, then, that human skin replacement and/or augmentation may follow.

Graphene continues to exceed initial expectations for its uses; it is small wonder, then, that it is beginning to resemble a significant contributor to the future of materials.

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