Systems And Methods For Formation And Harvesting of Nanofibrous Materials

Abstract

A system that receives nanomaterials, forms nanofibrous materials therefrom, and collects these nanofibrous materials for subsequent applications. The system is coupled to a chamber that generates nanomaterials, typically carbon nanotubes produced from chemical vapor deposition, and includes a mechanism for spinning the nanotubes into yarns or tows. Alternatively, the system includes a mechanism for forming non-woven sheets from the nanotubes. The system also includes components for collecting the formed nanofibrous materials. Methods for forming and collecting the nanofibrous materials are also provided.

Description

RELATED US APPLICATION(S)[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 703,328, filed Jul. 28, 2005 which application is hereby incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD[0002]The present invention relates to systems for formation and harvesting of nanofibrous materials, and more particularly to the formation of yarns and non-woven sheets from nanotubes, nanowires, or other filamentous structures having nanoscale dimensions.BACKGROUND ART[0003]Carbon nanotubes are known to have extraordinary tensile strength, including high strain to failure and relatively high tensile modulus. Carbon nanotubes may also be highly resistant to fatigue, radiation damage, and heat. To this end, the addition of carbon nanotubes to composite materials can increase tensile strength and stiffness of the composite materials.[0004]Within the last fifteen (15) years, as the properties of carbon nanotubes have been better understood, interests in carbon ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention provides a system for forming nanofibrous materials, such as yarn and non-woven sheets, by collecting and twisting nanotubes. The system includes a housing with an inlet for synthesizing nanotubes and a spindle for twisting the nanotubes into yarn. A spool is positioned downstream of the spindle for winding the yarn. A sensor system controls the rate of spin of the spindle and spool to avoid compromising the integrity of the yarn. The system also includes an apparatus for presenting synthesized nanotubes in a twisting manner for subsequent formation of nanofibrous materials. The technical effects of the invention include improved methods for producing nanofibrous materials with controlled twisting and improved properties.

Problems solved by technology

In cases where large volumes of carbon nanotubes may be generated, however, the nanotubes may attach to the walls of a reaction chamber, resulting in the blockage of nanomaterials from exiting the chamber.

Furthermore, these blockages may induce a pressure buildup in the reaction chamber, which can result in the modification of the overall reaction kinetics.

An additional concern with nanomaterials may be that they need to be handled and processed without generating large quantities of airborne particulates, since the hazards associated with nanoscale materials are not yet well understood.

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