Neograniene

Neograniene is a fictional material used in speculative geology, materials science discussions, and science fiction to illustrate a class of layered composites that combine a ceramic-like mineral framework with intercalated carbon-rich sheets similar to graphene. The term is not part of established mineral databases, but serves as a placeholder in theoretical models and narrative world-building.

In proposed models, neograniene consists of a two-dimensional carbon layer interleaved with an octahedral or tetrahedral metal-oxide lattice. The composition and interlayer spacing are treated as tunable parameters, yielding a range of densities, moduli, and thermal conductivities. The material is described as mechanically strong in the in-plane direction while remaining relatively compliant across layers, and as having high thermal conductivity along the carbon sheets.

Synthesis and demonstration: Because neograniene is hypothetical, it has no established laboratory protocol. Theoretical routes include co-deposition of carbon sheets within a silicate or aluminate framework, chemical vapor deposition into a pre-formed ceramic, or high-pressure solid-state reactions that promote intercalation and alignment.

Applications in fiction and theory: In science fiction, neograniene might be used for lightweight armor, heat exchangers, or energy storage devices. In academic exercises, it serves to study how interlayer interactions influence strength, toughness, and anisotropy in carbon–ceramic composites.

See also: Graphene, Layered silicates, Ceramic matrix composite, Intercalation compounds.