Scientists all over the world are going gaga over graphene, a material that has also been dubbed as a ‘supermaterial’. It is made from elemental carbon and is just one-atom thick layer of graphite. Thanks to its structure and arrangement, this very first two-dimensional material to be discovered, has great tensile strength (100 times more than steel), conducts electricity (250 times faster than Silicon at room temperature) and heat (10 times better than Copper), is transparent and ultra-thin!

Considering the properties of graphene, it’s not rocket science to see that it is to have tonnes of applications in the things we use every day and is soon going to be an integral part of our lives. Let us explore some of these possible applications that may become a reality soon!

Revolutionalizing the smartphone world: This wonder material is super flexible and could lead us to bendable smartphones. The use of graphene in batteries could also help us charge them in time as less as seven seconds! A news article by cnet says that this technology is not a faraway dream, but something that could happen in the next two years!

Graphene in the concrete: Exploiting graphene’s ability to conduct electricity, it can be used as concrete so as to eliminate the need for copper wires being tunneled in our houses for the supply of electricity. A study also states the graphene cement is also two times stronger then the one we use, four times more water resistant, and far more elastic. Read more about it here.

Flying with graphene: Graphene’s super-light and strong structure is expected to be used to its maximum in the aviation industry! With light-weight planes, we will be able to reduce the amount of fuel required, leading towards more cost-efficient and environment-friendly airborne travel. 

Seeing with graphene: The flexible, conducive and biocompatible nature of graphene can make it possible for us to cure blindness with it. It can be used to recreate an artificial and functional optic nerve, paving a path for a brighter future in the retinal world. Read more about it here.

Graphene to purify water: Graphene allows for a chemical-free, one-step process for purifying water. This process is considered to be cost-effective and compatible with large urban wastewater treatment plants. Curious about how it’s done? Read about the same here.

Graphene has many other real-world potential applications and considering the hype and amount of research being done on this material, they could all be a reality soon! AVCOE is excited to enter the world of graphene, are you? For more such informative blogs, keep following us!

Engineers are responsible for many of the great inventions and technology the world depends on. Everything from space shuttles to air conditioning systems to hearing aids requires the work of an engineer. We listed the top habits required to be a successful engineer.

Here are some of habits that happy, successful engineers practice:



1.  Cherish learning in success or failure.
Failures are not a surprise for engineers. What makes you stand out from others is the way you deal with it. Successful engineers see failure as an opportunity to try something new, to perform better.

2.  Don’t compare yourself to others.
Be your best at what you do and keep consistently being the best. The only one you should compare yourself is to who you are today and how can you better yourself for the future.

3.  Embrace different perspectives to solve a problem.
All engineers know this that there are hundreds of solutions and hundreds of approaches to a certain problem. When you can’t seem to reach a solution with one point of view, try perceiving the problem in another way. If you are working in a team take inputs from everyone, put different perspectives to work and solve the problem.

4.  Exercise- A must.
Along with your brain, your body needs its dosage of maintenance too. Remember without a healthy body one cannot be efficient in his/her work. Take some time out and make it a point to exercise on a daily basis.

5.  Avoid procrastination.
Avoiding procrastination is today’s world is a rather challenging thing to do. With social media becoming an ‘important’ part and parcel of our lives, it is convenient enough to put off our work to next day, and the next and it goes on. Agreed we need our share social lives but don’t waste most of your time browsing such apps. Prioritize your work which will give you time for work, study as well as fun.

6.  Read books.
Reading books allows you to learn new information you can relate or connect with your current skills and solve problems more efficiently than someone who is not reading books at all. Be it fiction or non-fiction, the former broadens your imagination and the latter gives you access to facts and mantras regarding your field.

7.  Be confident that you will make it. 
Four years of engineering is certainly not easy. Often you go through phases of self-doubt and fear and series of what-ifs about uncertainty of your future. Take a breath. Relax. Keep giving your 100% and things will work out for you just as fine. Always have confidence in yourself and your abilities to make it.

Becoming successful in any engineering field, or in life as an engineer takes a lot of hard work and determination. Be confident, set your goals and strongly work towards them, and the most important thing – never stop learning!

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