Clasping folds in graphene films

Parent: [[topics/research/science-catalogue|Science]].

What the paper reports

Wang, Liao, Xu, Gao (Zhejiang) and Xu (Tsinghua), Nature (online 14 October 2026), doi:10.1038/s41586-026-11109-y.

Multilayer graphene oxide flakes are grown so that surface fold bands form. When cast into a film the folds clasp across layers. Reported laboratory figures:

• tensile strength 2.9 GPa
• toughness 84.5 MJ m⁻³
• elastic strain 5%

The authors link the triad to a shear-locking stress-transfer path that converts tensile force chains into compressive ones and suppresses interlayer slip.

What it is not

Not a demonstration of aerospace components or armor. Laboratory film metrics. Independent replication and large-area data are not yet published. Single-crystal graphene remains stronger.

Related terms

[[guides/glossary|clasping folds]], [[guides/glossary|gate-induced layer sliding]], [[guides/glossary|remote moiré modulation]].

Evidence label: Well-supported (peer-reviewed Nature paper).