Compositions comprising carbon nanotubes and articles formed therefrom

Abstract

Improved compositions comprise a polymer and carbon fibers, such as nanotubes. In some embodiments, the carbon fibers, e.g., nanotubes, can be mechanically blended or incorporated into the polymer, while in some embodiments carbon nanotubes also may be covalently bonded to the polymer to form corresponding covalent materials. In particular, the polymer can be covalently bonded to the side walls of the carbon nanotubes to form a composite with particularly desirable mechanical properties. Specifically, the bonding of the polymer to the nanotube sidewall can provide desirable mechanical properties of the composite due to the orientation relative to other types of association between the nanotubes and the polymer. The processing of the nanotubes can be facilitated by the dispersion of the nanotubes in an aqueous solution comprising a hydrophylic polymer, such as ethyl vinyl acetate. A dispersion of nanotubes can be combined with a polymer in an extrusion process to blend the materials under high shear, such as in an extruder. In general, various articles can be formed that take advantage of the properties of the composite materials incorporating a polymer and carbon fibers, such as carbon nanotubes.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention generally relates to compositions comprising polymers and carbon nanotubes or other carbon fibers. In particular, in some embodiments the invention relates to compositions having functionalized carbon nanotubes, which can be covalently attached to polymers. Additionally, the invention also relates to methods of making the compositions. Furthermore, the invention relates to articles, such as containers or functional articles, that are formed from the compositions. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Technological developments impose increasing demands on material properties to achieve desired objectives. On the other hand, improved material capabilities correspondingly can provide improved performance capabilities for corresponding products that incorporate the improved materials. Furthermore, composite materials have been found to be a way to combine desired properties of different compositions to obtain a material that benefits from the pr...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] In a second aspect, the invention pertains to an aqueous dispersion of comprising ethyl vinyl acetate and carbon fibers. In these embodiments, the aqueous dispersion of the carbon fibers in the ethyl vinyl acetate can facilitate injection of the nanotubes into process equipment such as, for example, extruders.

[0008] In another aspect, the invention pertains to an article comprising a polymer and fluorinated carbon nanotubes, wherein the fluorinated carbon nanotubes provide increased resistance to chemical degradation.

Problems solved by technology

Advanced products may require special handling approaches due to the sensitivity of the products to damage and degradation.

In particular, some products, such as semi-conductor devices, silicon wafers and the like, can be damaged during transportation, and / or processing, for example, as a result of the products contacting each other.

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