XPost: rec.arts.sf.science   
   From: mcvmcv@xs4all.nl   
      
   In sci.space.tech Charles Talleyrand  wrote:   
      
   > Carbon nanotubes might make a *great* spaceship building material.   
      
   The most important reason why it's great is ofcourse the possibility   
   that we may be able to use it to build a space elevator.   
      
   > However nothing is perfect.  Are there any known problems with using   
   > carbon nanotubes, beyond cost and manufacturability?   
   >   
   > For example, does it disolves in common fuels or water, subject to   
   > hydrogen embrittlement, and/or easily damaged by radiation.   
   >   
   > Heck, is the stuff flamable or toxic?   
      
   Flamable yes. Toxic unknown. Conducts electricity very well. In fact I   
   just read somewhere that a space elevator might actually destroy itself   
   due to the high currents that would run through the cable.   
      
   In order words, interesting stuff that me really need to know a lot more   
   about before we're going to build something big out of it.   
      
      
   mcv.   
   --   
   "Serenity is a very personal work with political resonance and a   
   heartfelt message about the human condition and stuff blowing up.   
   'Cause let's face it, nobody cares about that 'human condition'   
   stuff... in fact if you notice it, try to keep it to yourself."   
                                           -- Joss Whedon on his new film   
      
   --- SoupGate-Win32 v1.05   
    * Origin: you cannot sedate... all the things you hate (1:229/2)