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Methods to Create, Disperse and Align Carbon Nanotube Fibers

Technology Benefits

Incorporationof carbon nanotubes in composites in improve various propertiesEliminates the existing issues with maximumallowable CNT loading in nanocompositesPotentialto manufacture fibers and sheets consisting of dense, pure, aligned, andultra-long CNTs with controlled structural organizationsProcessingis scalable, sustainable, and non-destructiveAllowsfor carbon nanotubes to retain their strength as they are processed, no fibershortening Improvementsin properties up to 5x with aligned nanotubes using this method compared torandom dispersion Stronginterfacial adhesion between different polymers and CNT fiber surfaces can beachieved by optimizing the pre- and post-treatments of carbon nanotube fibersStructuraland industrial applications

Detailed Technology Description

Aninnovative form of carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers and hybrid mats that resolve majorissues with carbon nanotube integration in composites.

*Abstract

Thistechnology provides techniques to directly use CNTs in polymers or combine themwith other fibers to improve mechanical, electromagneticinterference (EMI)/ radio-frequency interference (RFI),and electrical and thermal properties. Furthermore, this process effectivelyeliminates the need for carbon nanotube purification and high energy dispersionthat is currently required to process synthesized carbon nanotubes prior totheir final application.

*Background

Carbon fibers offer an array of superior propertiessuch as high strength, high stiffness, non-corrosiveness, low density, andelectrical conductivity which make them ideal materials for numerousapplications within the industrial, aerospace, consumer goods, energy, and automotiveindustries. Carbon fibers owe their lightweight and superior mechanicalproperties to carbon, one of the lightest elements, and carbon bonds that areamongst the strongest in all chemical bonds. Despite their extraordinarymechanical properties at the nanotube level, achieving efficient dispersion,alignment, and surface reactivity in carbon nanotubes have been the majordrawback for their adoption as structural materials.Aligning and packing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) ischallenging due to their nanoscale size. CNTs are very difficult to process as they become highly entangledduring synthesis and post-purification treatments.  Currently, there is no scalable technique forthe effective dispersion, alignment and surface treatment of carbon nanotubesfor use in structural applications.  Thus,there is a present market need for methods that eliminate the need for CNTpurification and high-energy dispersion.

Country/Region

USA