# Graphene Condoms, a Rising Star **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 21, 2013, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435 "2013-11-21T15:35:27Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 3:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/1 "2013-11-21T15:35:27Z")
Graphene, discovered only nine years ago, is being developed in Britain for use as a thinner, stronger condom. Story [here](http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/technology-science/science/graphene-condoms-safe-sex-revolution-2812188). The researchers already have a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Graphene is highly conductive, so maybe you won’t want to use it during storms. Unless you want yours to be a lightning rod, heh. ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 6:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/2 "2013-11-21T18:14:33Z")
Something strikes me as wrong about this sentence: > [@](#): > > … > Graphene is the world’s thinnest, strongest and most conductive material… Really? Nothing can be slized thinner? Stronger than, I dunno, titanium? Nanotubes? But honestly, who needs a penis if you got a chunk of this? ---
**Author:** ![Nancarrow](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/c37758/32.png) [@Nancarrow](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Nancarrow)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/3 "2013-11-21T19:56:11Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Something strikes me as wrong about this sentence: > > Really? Nothing can be slized thinner? Stronger than, I dunno, titanium? Nanotubes? > > But honestly, who needs a penis if you got a chunk of this? Dunno about stronger, but thinner is probably right, as graphene is a single layer of graphite. So graphene is about one carbon atom thick. Can’t see how you’d get thinner than that. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/4 "2013-11-21T20:08:42Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > Something strikes me as wrong about this sentence: > > Really? Nothing can be slized thinner? Stronger than, I dunno, titanium? Nanotubes? > > But honestly, who needs a penis if you got a chunk of this? How have you heard of nanotubes, and don’t know what Graphene is? For that matter, how are you _on the internet_, and don’t know what Graphene is? ---
**Author:** ![leftfield6](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/leftfield6/32/18780_2.png) [@leftfield6](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/leftfield6)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 8:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/5 "2013-11-21T20:48:09Z")
The example I heard for demonstrating the strength of graphene was this: The weight of an elephant, balanced on a point the size of a thumbtack, would not penetrate a one atom thick layer of graphene. ---
**Author:** ![chacoguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/50afbb/32.png) [@chacoguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/chacoguy)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/6 "2013-11-21T20:56:35Z")
Then why aren’t we making graphene body armor? ---
**Author:** ![Count\_Blucher](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/c5a1d2/32.png) [@Count\_Blucher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Count_Blucher)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 9:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/7 "2013-11-21T21:14:38Z")
> [@Boyo\_Jim](#): > > But honestly, who needs a penis if you got a chunk of this? I’m guessing that a short in a D-cell product line might leave their consumers… disgruntled. :eek: Could you imagine the headlines & the liability claims…? [spoiler] "Adam and Eve announced a global recall of part of their product line today. Consumers with the “Tim Tebow Hail Mary” model starting with registration code XXX-12 should call the 800 number below to arrange for a safety inspection and a product exchange. _Cue Filler Tape_ “…I saw stars all right, but not they way they said on the package. They ought to be ashamed of themselves!!!” …and now back to Steve with the weather… [/spoiler] ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/8 "2013-11-21T21:15:24Z")
It seems like an exotic substance. I can’t imagine that it will be cheap to produce but it will need to be cheap for that purpose. And if it _can_ be produced cheaply, where else can it be used? ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 9:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/9 "2013-11-21T21:15:55Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > How have you heard of nanotubes, and don’t know what Graphene is? > > For that matter, how are you _on the internet_, and don’t know what Graphene is? 'Cause I don’t really give a shit about graphene, or nanotubes or new materials, but I was intrigued about new condoms. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Boyo\_Jim](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/87869e/32.png) [@Boyo\_Jim](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Boyo_Jim)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 9:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/10 "2013-11-21T21:17:13Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > It seems like an exotic substance. I can’t imagine that it will be cheap to produce but it will need to be cheap for that purpose. And if it _can_ be produced cheaply, where else can it be used? Maybe it’s a wash, rinse, repeat thing? One penis – one condom – for life. ---
**Author:** ![Folly](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folly/32/3219_2.png) [@Folly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folly)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/11 "2013-11-21T21:18:24Z")
Can’t we use it to get a space elevator up before we use it on other things that get up. ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 11:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/12 "2013-11-21T23:08:11Z")
> [@chacoguy](#): > > Then why aren’t we making graphene body armor? Because we’ve yet to make it in large enough sheets, I understand. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > It seems like an exotic substance. Not that exotic; it’s just carbon. > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > I can’t imagine that it will be cheap to produce but it will need to be cheap for that purpose. And if it _can_ be produced cheaply, where else can it be used? It appears to have a ridiculous number of potential applications. Everything from armor to these condoms to electronics to batteries. ---
**Author:** ![Dewey\_Finn](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dewey_finn/32/4222_2.png) [@Dewey\_Finn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dewey_Finn)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/13 "2013-11-21T23:26:56Z")
> [@Der\_Trihs](#): > > > [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > > > It seems like an exotic substance. > > Not that exotic; it’s just carbon. Diamonds are “just carbon.” That doesn’t mean I can cheaply and easily obtain them in all sizes and qualities. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 21, 2013, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/14 "2013-11-21T23:55:01Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > It seems like an exotic substance. I can’t imagine that it will be cheap to produce but it will need to be cheap for that purpose. And if it _can_ be produced cheaply, where else can it be used? In another story, I read they’re hoping to develop better condoms for distribution in the developing world, where there’s often a problem with spoilage in present models. The hope is to cut back on Aids, birth rates etc. If that’s the goal, then they must not expect the condoms to be too costly to make. As for the link in my OP, it says it could eventually “be used in everything from batteries which charge in seconds to photovoltaic windows which generate electricity.” Mentions other uses could be improved solar cell technology, night vision goggles and cameras “due to its strength, transparency and thin depth.” Also says: “There are rumours the next iPhone 6 will use graphene to make it less clunky as tech experts believe it could improve energy storage and make the phone stronger.” As for graphene itself, I can’t recall having heard of it before this story broke. I somehow missed its discovery and the Nobel award to its discoverers. ---
**Author:** ![SerafinaPekala](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ecae2f/32.png) [@SerafinaPekala](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SerafinaPekala)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 12:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/15 "2013-11-22T00:05:07Z")
But arent Haiti and South American countries predominantly Catholic? Where is the motivation to even USE condoms? Creating a better condom and distributing it wont fight aids or overpopulation if ppl wont use it. > **[Could condoms change the world? | CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2013/05/29/health/haiti-condom-donation/)** > > Two organizations are teaming up to help prevent unwanted pregnancies and the spread of disease in Haiti. ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/16 "2013-11-22T00:08:16Z")
Africa was especially mentioned. And are you trying to tell me no one uses condoms in Latin America? ---
**Author:** ![cmyk](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cmyk/32/3353_2.png) [@cmyk](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cmyk)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 12:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/17 "2013-11-22T00:25:02Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Diamonds are “just carbon.” That doesn’t mean I can cheaply and easily obtain them in all sizes and qualities. Exotic doesn’t really apply, in that, it’s merely an allotrope of carbon. And by merely, I mean once they overcome the technical aspects of creating graphene, and figure out how to implement a cost-effective way to manufacture it, it’ll eventually be as cheap as dirt. And will be applied in more ways than aluminum (which used to be more valuable than gold). Hrmmm… Aluminum condoms… ---
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/18 "2013-11-22T00:33:20Z")
> [@Siam\_Sam](#): > > Africa was especially mentioned. And are you trying to tell me no one uses condoms in Latin America? I can also say that free condom distribution has been a big success in Thailand and elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 3:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/19 "2013-11-22T03:19:09Z")
That’s one big honkin’ nanotube… ---
**Author:** ![Der\_Trihs](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/der_trihs/32/233_2.png) [@Der\_Trihs](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Der_Trihs)\ **Post date:** [November 22, 2013, 3:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435/20 "2013-11-22T03:46:23Z")
> [@Dewey\_Finn](#): > > Diamonds are “just carbon.” That doesn’t mean I can cheaply and easily obtain them in all sizes and qualities. But that’s largely because the price of diamonds is artificially inflated by [DeBeers](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeBeers). [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/graphene-condoms-a-rising-star/674435.md?page=2)