Abstract:
In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a new composition of matter. Such a composition generally comprises a functionalized single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) which is coated with a metal that would not react with carbon at elevated temperatures. The metal-coated tube is incorporated into a metal matrix that could potentially form carbides. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of making such compositions.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods of functionalizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), particularly single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), with organosilane species, wherein such functionalization enables fabrication of advanced polymer composites. The present invention is also directed toward the functionalized CNTs, advanced CNT-polymer composites made with such functionalized CNTs, and methods of making such advanced CNT-polymer composites.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods of functionalizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), particularly single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs), with organosilane species, wherein such functionalization enables fabrication of advanced polymer composites. The present invention is also directed toward the functionalized CNTs, advanced CNT-polymer composites made with such functionalized CNTs, and methods of making such advanced CNT-polymer composites.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to carbon nanotube fibers that include one or more fiber threads. In some embodiments, the fiber threads include doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes, such as doped double-walled carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotubes are functionalized with one or more functional groups. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers are doped with various dopants, such as iodine and antimony pentafluoride. In various embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers of the present invention can include a plurality of intertwined fiber threads that are twisted in a parallel configuration with one another. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers include a plurality of fiber threads that are tied to one another in a serial configuration. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers of the present invention are also coated with one or more polymers. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making the aforementioned carbon nanotube fibers.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to a new composition of matter. Such a composition generally comprises a functionalized single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) which is coated with a metal that would not react with carbon at elevated temperatures. The metal-coated tube is incorporated into a metal matrix that could potentially form carbides. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of making such compositions.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward devices comprising carbon nanotubes that are capable of detecting displacement, impact, stress, and/or strain in materials, methods of making such devices, methods for sensing/detecting/monitoring displacement, impact, stress, and/or strain via carbon nanotubes, and various applications for such methods and devices. The devices and methods of the present invention all rely on mechanically-induced electronic perturbations within the carbon nanotubes to detect and quantify such stress/strain. Such detection and quantification can rely on techniques which include, but are not limited to, electrical conductivity/conductance and/or resistivity/resistance detection/measurements, thermal conductivity detection/measurements, electroluminescence detection/measurements, photoluminescence detection/measurements, and combinations thereof. All such techniques rely on an understanding of how such properties change in response to mechanical stress and/or strain.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to compositions that include carbon nanotubes associated with antimony pentafluoride molecules. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotubes are endohedrally intercalated with the antimony pentafluoride molecules. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotubes are exohedrally intercalated with the antimony pentafluoride molecules. Additional embodiments of the present invention pertain to methods of making the above-mentioned carbon nanotube compositions. In some embodiments, the method comprises associating carbon nanotubes with antimony pentafluoride molecules by mixing. In some embodiments, the associating step occurs in an inert atmosphere. The carbon nanotube compositions of the present invention can have various arrangements. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube compositions of the present invention can be used as part of a composite. In other embodiments, the carbon nanotube compositions of the present invention can be used as part of a carbon nanotube fiber.
Abstract:
In some embodiments, the present invention is directed to methods of fully integrating CNTs and the surrounding polymer matrix in CNT/polymer composites. In some such embodiments, such integration comprises interfacial covalent bonding between the CNTs and the polymer matrix. In some such embodiments, such interfacial covalent bonding is provided by a free radical reaction initiated during processing. In some such embodiments, such free radical initiation can be provided by benzoyl peroxide. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to CNT/polymer composite systems, wherein the CNTs within such systems are covalently integrated with the polymer. In some or other embodiments, the present invention is directed to articles of manufacture made from such CNT/polymer composite systems.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods of integrating carbon nanotubes into epoxy polymer composites via chemical functionalization of carbon nanotubes, and to the carbon nanotube-epoxy polymer composites produced by such methods. Integration is enhanced through improved dispersion and/or covalent bonding with the epoxy matrix during the curing process. In general, such methods involve the attachment of chemical moieties (i.e., functional groups) to the sidewall and/or end-cap of carbon nanotubes such that the chemical moieties react with either the epoxy precursor(s) or the curing agent(s) (or both) during the curing process. Additionally, in some embodiments, these or additional chemical moieties can function to facilitate dispersion of the carbon nanotubes by decreasing the van der Waals attractive forces between the nanotubes.
Abstract:
The present invention involves the interaction of radiation with functionalized carbon nanotubes that have been incorporated into various host materials, particularly polymeric ones. The present invention is directed to chemistries, methods, and apparatuses which exploit this type of radiation interaction, and to the materials which result from such interactions. The present invention is also directed toward the time dependent behavior of functionalized carbon nanotubes in such composite systems.