Possible Graphene Alternative Made From Hemp Waste 212
MTorrice writes "A low-cost chemical process can turn hemp fiber into carbon nanomaterials. Researchers used the materials to make devices called supercapacitors that provide quick bursts of electrical energy. Supercapacitors made with the hemp nanosheets put out more power than commercial devices can."
According to one of the authors, "Hemp bast is a nanocomposite made up of layers of lignin, hemicellulose, and crystalline cellulose ... If you process it the right way, it separates into nanosheets similar to graphene." Perhaps the process could be applied to related plants (hops?) too.
Re:Marijuana? (Score:5, Interesting)
Indeed, it's the same plant in the same way that a Yorkshire Terrier is the same animal as a Golden Retriever. Only through selective breeding did they reduce the THC concentrations low enough that the plants couldn't be practically used for psychoactive contents.
And a use for kudzu, too! (Score:4, Interesting)
The wiki link to "bast" refers to a dozen species that produce basts, including flax, wisteria, mulberry, and kudzu.
Is there a reason to go for hemp in particular, aside from the usual hemp-will-solve-everything? Flax is also produced in industrial quantities. TFA doesn't mention why they chose hemp bast.
Look, I'm all for legalized weed and hate the propaganda that makes it out as a devil drug, but I'm not any bigger fan of exaggerations about the wonders of hemp. At least on this web site, it would be nice to look at actual data, rather than who can out-propagandize everybody else.
Re:Pot solves everything (Score:5, Interesting)
Pot. Is there anything it can't do? /might be a little high right now actually
Re:always amusing (Score:5, Interesting)
Agreed.
As a Christian I am constantly appalled by idiots who cherry-pick verses out of context to support their prejudices. I don't think having a good time at a party (or at the wedding you referred to) is equivalent to being a drunkard. People who take verses to support their own biases, ignoring the context and what is actually being said make all Christians look bad.
Re:Pot solves everything (Score:4, Interesting)
LOL True. It can't do that.
Anyhow... I'm THAT guy. The guy that smokes and doesn't actually think that legalizing it will solve all the world's problems. I'm in favor of legalization and think that it would help solve *some* problems however. It is legal for me to smoke and grow now but I still think it should be legalized and subject to reasonable taxation.
In case you're curious, I got my card because I have issues sleeping. I still have plenty of trouble sleeping but now I get to smoke weed legally. It hasn't helped though it does ease the paranoia to imbibe legally.
I figure it would help lower budgets and stop us from incarcerating people for that particular victimless crime.