Florida State University researchers are developing new fabrication techniques for buckypaper (a material based on carbon nanotubes that is 10 times lighter but potentially 500 times stronger than steel) that soon may make it competitive with the best composite materials now available.

FSU reseachers used high magnetism to cause most of the nanotubes to line up in the same direction, increasing their collective strength.

Uses include low-weight electromagnetic interference shielding, electrodes for fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries, and computer heat sinks. The long-range goal is to build planes, automobiles and other things with buckypaper composites. The military also is looking at it for use in armor plating and stealth technology.