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 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:
A method of making a water soluble carbon nanostructure includes treating a fluorinated carbon nanostructure material with a polyol in the presence of a base. A water soluble carbon nanostructure comprises a fluorinated carbon nanostructure covalently bound to a polyol. Exemplary uses of water soluble carbon nanostructures include use in polymer composites, biosensors and drug delivery vehicles.
Abstract:
A polymer composite includes a polymer matrix and an alkyl-substituted carbon nanotube. A polymer composite also includes a polymer matrix and a fluorinated carbon nanotube reacted with urea, thiourea, or guanidine. A method of functionalizing a carbon nanotube includes heating a fluorinated carbon nanotube urea, thiourea, or guanidine. A substituted carbon nanotube includes a fluorinated carbon nanotube and amino silane compounds The amino silane compounds covalently link to the fluorinated nanotube through the amino functional group. Polymer composites, ceramics and surface coating materials may be constructed from these substituted carbon nanotubes.
Abstract:
A polymer composite includes a polymer matrix and an alkyl-substituted carbon nanotube. A polymer composite also includes a polymer matrix and a fluorinated carbon nanotube reacted with urea, thiourea, or guanidine. A method of functionalizing a carbon nanotube includes heating a fluorinated carbon nanotube urea, thiourea, or guanidine. A substituted carbon nanotube includes a fluorinated carbon nanotube and amino silane compounds The amino silane compounds covalently link to the fluorinated nanotube through the amino functional group. Polymer composites, ceramics and surface coating materials may be constructed from these substituted carbon nanotubes.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods of forming sidewall-functionalized carbon nanotubes, wherein such functionalized carbon nanotubes have hydroxyl-terminated moieties covalently attached to their sidewalls. Generally, such methods involve chemistry on carbon nanotubes that have first been fluorinated. In some embodiments, fluorinated carbon nanotubes ("fluoronanotubes") are reacted with mono-metal salts of a dialcohol, MO-R-OH, where M is a metal and R is hydrocarbon or other organic chain and/or ring structural unit. In such embodiments, -O-R-OH displaces -F on the nanotube, the fluorine leaving as MF. Generally, such mono-metal salts are formed in situ by the addition of MOH to one or more dialcohols in which the fluoronanotubes have been dispersed. In some embodiments, fluoronanotubes are reacted with amino alcohols, such as being of the type H 2 N-R-OH, wherein -N(H)-R-OH displaces -F on the nanotube, the fluorine leaving as HF.
Abstract:
A method for producing a diamond material by contacting a fluorinated precursor with a hydrocarbon in a reactor and forming a combination in the absence of a metal catalyst; increasing the pressure of the reactor to a first pressure; heating the combination under pressure to form a material precursor; cooling the material precursor; and forming a diamond material.
Abstract:
A nanocomposite having a nanomaterial dispersed into a polymer matrix, in one embodiment exfoliated nanoclay dispersed in a polyurea matrix. A method of making PU-nanocomposites for coatings for improved mechanical properties, in one embodiment the method comprises obtaining and treating a nanomaterial, dispersing the nanomaterial into a pre-polymer matrix, mixing the pre-polymer matrix under heating to form a coating; and depositing the coating on a substrate.
Abstract:
The present invention is directed toward compositions comprising carbon nanotubes (CNTs) that are sidewall-functionalized with amino acid groups, and to amino acid compositions comprising carbon nanotubes. The present invention is also directed to simple and relatively inexpensive methods for the preparation of such compositions. Such compositions are expected to greatly extend the bio-medical applications of CNTs.