How ‘wonder material’ graphene became a national security concern

UK and China are racing to develop forms of the super-strength technology that has potential aerospace and weaponry uses

A large shed on an unassuming industrial estate beside Swansea's River Tawe does not at first glance seem vital to the UK's national security. The facility, run by a small company called Perpetuus , sits beside a mortuary and a parcel depot.

Earlier this month, the company, which makes graphene - a wonder material" made of a single layer of carbon atoms - grabbed the attention of the government, which said it would investigate a possible takeover involving a Chinese academic, in a highly unusual move that startled industry observers.