Skip to main content

Method of Large Scale Fabrication of High CNT Content Composites with High Mechanical and Electrical Performance

Share:
Tech ID:
18-020
Principal Investigator:
Dr. Zhiyong (Richard) Liang
Licensing Manager:
Patents:
  • U.S. Patent Pending
Description:

Carbon nanotubes are ideal for polymer matrix composites due to their mechanical and electrical properties. However, to date, the overall properties of CNT-polymer composites have not reached their full potential due to poor dispersion and low concentrations of CNTs. Our new scalable process yields high-CNT content (60 wt%) polymer composites using a simple, three-step process:

  1. A filament winding process that allows for control of CNT orientation and overall composite thickness.
  2. A mechanical stretching process that has shown improved CNT alignment and overall composite properties.
  3. A curing process under tension that further stretches and aligns the CNTs in the stress direction.

These improved polymer composites are ideal for defense applications and deep space exploration.