Abstract:
Flame-resistant composite materials containing carbon nanotubes are described herein. The flame-resistant composite materials contain an outer layer and at least one inner layer, containing a first polymer matrix and a second polymer matrix, respectively. The outer layer has an exterior surface and a first carbon nanotube-infused fiber material that contains a first fiber material and a first plurality of carbon nanotubes greater than about 50 muetaiota in length. In some embodiments, the at least one inner layer also contains a second fiber material and/or a second carbon nanotube-infused fiber material containing a second fiber material and a second plurality of carbon nanotubes. When present, the second plurality of carbon nanotubes are generally shorter in length than the first plurality of carbon nanotubes. Alignment of the carbon nanotubes in the outer layer can transfer heat away from the composite material's inner layer(s). Flame-resistant articles containing carbon nanotube- infused fiber materials are also described.
Abstract:
A mobile, telescoping radar array is disclosed. In some embodiments, the radar array has a plurality of support stages that fully nest when stowed and assume a telescoped form when deployed. A plurality of radiating elements depend from each stage. The support stages, as deployed, have a geometry that supports 360 degrees of radar coverage without rotating or otherwise repositioning the radar array.
Abstract:
An apparatus having a composite air-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities.
Abstract:
A composite composition includes a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused fibers dispersed in a matrix material. The amount of carbon nanotubes in the composition is in a range between about 0.1% percent by weight to about 60 percent by weight of the composite.
Abstract:
A fiber sizing formulation includes (1) a nanoparticle (NP)solution that includes a dispersion of transition metal nanoparticles (NPs) in a solvent and (2) a first fiber sizing agent. The NPs disperse throughout the first fiber sizing agent after application of the fiber sizing formulation to a fiber and removal of the solvent. The NPs serve a function selected from a secondary sizing agent, a catalyst for further nanostructure growth on the fiber, and combinations thereof. A fiber includes a sizing disposed about the fiber. The sizing includes transition metal nanoparticles dispersed throughout the sizing. A method includes applying the sizing formulation to a fiber during manufacture of the fiber, and removing the solvent from the applied formulation. A method includes adding a solution of transition metal NPs to a sizing-coated fiber and baking, whereby the sizing solution of NPs is added before baking the sizing.
Abstract:
An apparatus having a composite land-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities.
Abstract:
A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused aramid fiber material that includes an aramid fiber material of spoolable dimensions, a barrier coating conformally disposed about the aramid fiber material, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the aramid fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in density. A continuous CNT infusion process includes:(a) disposing a barrier coating and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on a surface of an aramid fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the aramid fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused aramid fiber material.
Abstract:
A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material that includes a carbon fiber material of spoolable dimensions and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the carbon fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. The CNT infused carbon fiber material also includes a barrier coating conformally disposed about the carbon fiber material, while the CNTs are substantially free of the barrier coating. A continuous CNT infusion process includes: (a) functionalizing a carbon fiber material; (b) disposing a barrier coating on the functionalized carbon fiber material (c) disposing a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on the functionalized carbon fiber material; and (d) synthesizing carbon nanotubes, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused carbon fiber material.
Abstract:
A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused ceramic fiber material, wherein the CNT-infused ceramic fiber material includes: a ceramic fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) bonded to the ceramic fiber material. The CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in distribution. A continuous CNT infusion process includes (a) disposing a carbon-nanotube forming catalyst on a surface of a ceramic fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the ceramic fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused ceramic fiber material.
Abstract:
An apparatus having a composite air-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities.