Removing monowire (was RE: Wire Obstacles)

1 posts ยท May 16 1998

From: tlsmith@m... (Terrance L. Smith)

Date: Fri, 15 May 1998 21:33:26 -0600

Subject: Removing monowire (was RE: Wire Obstacles)

There has been some concern in this thread about the dificulty of removing
monomolecular wire, which might make it useless in a military context. One
thing that has not been considered is the biochemical solution.

Monomolecular wire is likely to be an organic molecule (note that spider silk
is a monomolecular filament and is stronger than steel for its diameter). This
means an enzyme is likely to be available (or can be created [I know creating
enzymes from scratch is not possible now, but we
are talking sci-fi.]) that will dissolve the wire. Just spray the wire
"infested" area and wait a few minutes. The effect would not be instantaneous.
The speed with which the enzyme can destroy the wire will depend on
temperature, humidity, and, possibly, the atmospheric composition.

Also, monofilament wire will be degraded over time by UV (ultraviolet)
radiation. The rate at which this occurs will depend on if the wire is shaded,
UV output of the local sun, humidity, etc.

Just some thoughts from a former biochemist turned technical
writer/editor.