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Aluminum-Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

Technology Benefits

ΓÇó Enhances electrical, thermal and mechanical properties.ΓÇó Maintains lightweight properties of aluminum.ΓÇó Potential application includes the automobile, the aerospace/space, the structural, the electronic and the sports industries.ΓÇó PCT Application filed

Detailed Technology Description

Background:Numerous advances have been made in the development of aluminum-based metal matrix composites that possess high stiffness, wear resistance, high elastic/tensile properties, and high thermal conductivity. Nanostructures have become attractive additives to aluminum due to their unique properties, especially with the advancement of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These Al-CNT composites have been shown to improve thermophysical and mechanical properties; however it has not been shown to enhance electrical conductivity. Lack of uniform dispersion of the CNT in the aluminum-matrix continues to impede advances in the conductivity of these composites. Uniform dispersion of CNTs would lead to a conductor material with a room-temperature resistivity much lower than that of aluminum, copper, and silver, which would have large technological and economic implications. Invention Description:The technology uses carbon nanotube hybrid as reinforcement in the aluminum. This hybrid allows for an enhanced electrical conductivity, enhanced mechanical properties, enhanced thermal conductivity, and a reduced coefficient of thermal expansion while maintaining the unique lightweight properties of aluminum. These properties can be obtained by using an in situ inductive heating stirring mechanism to achieve uniform dispersion of the carbon nanotubes in the aluminum matrix. These nanocomposites can be used in electrical wires as a possible substitute for copper. This technology demonstrates the ability to improve the electrical, mechanical, and thermophysical properties of aluminum, thereby making it comparable to or better than copper.

*Abstract

The technology uses carbon nanotube hybrid as reinforcement in the aluminum.

*Principal Investigator

Name: Kofi Adu, Professor

Department: Physics

Country/Region

USA