1) "Because of the great mechanical properties of the carbon nanotubule, a variety of structures has been proposed ranging from everyday items like clothes and sports gear to combat jackets and space elevators. However, the space elevator will require further efforts in refining carbon nanotube technology, as the practical tensile strength of carbon nanotubes can still be greatly improved. For perspective, outstanding breakthroughs have already been made. Pioneering work lead by Ray H. Baughman at the NanoTech Institute has shown that single and multi-walled nanotubes can produce materials with toughness un-matched in the man-made and natural worlds. Recent research by James D. Iverson and Brad C. Edwards has revealed the possibility of cross-linking CNT molecules prior to incorporation in a polymer matrix to form a super high strength composite supermaterial. This CNT composites could have a tensile strength on the order of 20 million psi (138 GPa, for 106 MN·m/kg), potentially revolutionizing many aspects of engineering design where low weight and high strength is required." Source and further information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube#Structural 2) "The rings then begin forming stacks, naturally and spontaneously. "It's totally self-assembled" Fenniri says. "You don't have to input any energy." In addition, the water-loving ends on the outside of the tube have both a negative and a positive charge. As the stacks form, the ends line up with a positively charged particle on one level binding to a negatively charged particle on the next level, creating an electrostatic "belt" that wraps around the tube. This electrostatic belt serves to hold the structure together and keep it stable, Fenniri says. "This belt, produced from electrostatic bonds, creates a new level of organization and can be manipulated to change the chemical properties of the molecule," he says. For example, by attaching a photo active substance – one that can absorb energy and transfer it to another chemical – scientists can create a tube that is capable of absorbing energy from one end and delivering it at the other. "In this way, we can tailor structures to perform specific tasks," Fenniri says. Nanotubes made in this manner may be used in applications ranging from new structural materials that are stronger and lighter weight to electronic components for new supercomputers to drug delivery systems, Fenniri says. Purdue has applied for a patent on the process. The new nanotubes also may offer some advantages over other types of structures, such as carbon nanotubes, Fenniri says." Source and further information: http://www.purdue.edu/UNS/html4ever/010413.Fenniri.nanotube.html