Experiments prove that graphene Boundaries do not weaken the graphene sheet

Researchers from Columbia demonstrated that a graphene sheet that is stitched together from many small crystalline grains is almost as strong as perfect graphene (this depends on the processing method, though). This solves the question whether graphene defects harm its mechanical strength (some theoretical simulations predict that grain boundaries are strong while other indicated they weaken the graphene sheet).

Commonly used methods for post-processing CVD-grown graphene may indeed weaken the grain boundaries and create a low-strength graphene. But the researchers developed a new transfer process (using a different etchant) that prevents any damage to the graphene.