Research - Multifunctional Nanotube Composites

Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Composites

Carbon nanotubes can lend new functionality to polymer, metal, or carbon matrices – enhancing their strength and also their thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity. Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have huge tensile strengths (Young's modulus over 1 TPa, considered one of the strongest materials known to man). They are also excellent thermal conductors and electrical conductors, and have been developed as single-electron transistors, actuators, sensors, memory elements, and recently electroluminescent emitters. Due to small production quantities in the past, research to date has concentrated on small-volume applications (electronics, sensors, etc.). However with large-scale SWNT synthesis under development worldwide, the science of forming strong, lightweight composites which retain the desirable properties of SWNTs is underway. Nanotube-based composites have the potential to revolutionize structural materials for aerospace, electrical and thermal conductors for energy applications, nano-biotechnology, and other disciplines. Through an internally-sponsored ORNL project, and with NASA and DARPA support, we are exploring the synthesis of polymer nanocomposites, metal-matrix nanocomposites, and carbon-carbon composites using loose SWNTs and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs).

Research at ORNL in Multifunctional Nanotube Composites Include:

Synthesis and Purification of Loose Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes for Composites -

Loose SWNTs are synthesized, purified, and functionalized at ORNL. SWNTs are synthesized by laser vaporization in grams quantities (see facilities section) and the synthesis conditions have been adjusted for compatibility with chemical purification treatments to enable the near complete removal (<0.2 wt. %) of metal impurities.

 

 

 

 

Each batch of raw SWNTs is purified slightly differently, based upon TGA and Raman diagnostics in collaboration with Dr. Phil Britt at ORNL. Our research together has concentrated upon varying the defect levels in the purified SWNTs to enable chemical functionalization targeted for particular applications (e.g. strength via strong covalent bonds with polymer matrices).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vertically-Aligned Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Arrays for Composites

Vertically-aligned multiwall carbon nanotube (VA-MWNT) arrays are grown from metal catalyst films at ORNL by thermal CVD (see facility section). Mixed with the MWNT are SWNT at most processing temperatures. Using time-resolved diagnostic techniques for this material system, the kinetics of nanotube growth by thermal CVD are being studied – providing some of the first direct measurements of nanotube growth rates, and providing the ability to control the length of the aligned arrays (in press). Research is concentrating upon understanding what stops nanotube growth, how growth can be continued to long lengths (millimeters and longer), and methods to increase the growth rate so that long, continuous nanotube fibers can be produced for composites.

VA-MWNT can be grown directly into sensor patterns by prepatterning the metal catalyst lithographically. Photolithography and e-beam lithography techniques are both used.

We have developed techniques to infiltrate VA-MWNT with polymers and other matrices while preserving their alignment. In addition to enhancing the Young's modulus of polymers while retaining their hardness, these composites are being developed for greatly enhanced (anisotropic) thermal conductivity, electrical conduction and static charge dissipation, and sensor functionalities.

High Weight-Density SWNT Fibers

High weight-density fibers of SWNT are spun from solubilized or suspended SWNT in surfactant or other solutions. Millions of single-wall carbon nanotubes roughly align along the fiber axis as the surfactant solution is injected into another liquid. Single-wall nanotubes aggregate readily, forming a high weight-density fiber which can be back-infiltrated with polymers or other materials to form composite fibers. The fibers are strong and electrically conductive. Research is concentrating on methods of fiber production, nanotube solubilization, mechanical testing, and processing of fibers for predesigned functionality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Functional Thin Film Networks of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes

We are studying how networks of single-wall carbon nanotubes conduct electricity in polymers. Generally, SWNTs remain in bundles within polymers. They form a complicated, interlocking resistive network of interconnected bundles, which acts as a sensor web.

Techniques have been developed to spray, spin, and cast SWNT in thin films for applications. And methods of alignment of SWNT within these films have been developed. Alignment of SWNT within polymer thin films is measured by polarized Raman spectroscopy (see facility description).

At left, a nanometers-thin coating of amorphous diamond was applied to a resistive SWNT network which had been spray -deposited from solution. Amorphous diamond is pure carbon, just like carbon nanotubes, however its bonding is ~70% like that of diamond. Hence it is optically transparent, hard, and insulating in contrast to the properties of nanotubes. This all carbon composite (amorphous diamond on SWNTs) preserved the resistive nanotube network within a highly scratch resistant, optically transmissive, diamondlike protective matrix.

Electrospun Nanotube-Polymer Fibers

We are experimenting with spinning polymer fibers which contain single-walled carbon nanotubes for a variety of enhancements, including conductivity, thermal stability, sensing capabilities, and communication. Electrospinning involves co-solubilizing polymer and nanotubes in a common solvent. This solution is drawn from a syringe by a strong electric field. As the solvent dries, the polymer/nanotube fiber forms enroute to a ground plane. The diameters of the fibers can be varied by adjusting the viscosity of the solution.

We are investigating the degree of alignment of nanotubes within the electrospun fibers as a function of weight loading and fiber diameter using polarized confocal microRaman spectroscopy.

A great variety of nanotube-polymer composites can be formed for mechanical testing and functionality assessment by electrospinning.

 

 

 

Nanotube Papers