Fullerite
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Image:Kohlenstoffnanoroehre Animation.gif
Fullerites are the solid-state manifestation of fullerenes and related compounds and materials.
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Types of fullerite
Polymerized single walled nanotubes (P-SWNT) are a class of fullerites and are comparible 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.
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See also
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