Bolometer Composite Material With 3D Carbon Nanotube Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Forming a network of carbon nanotubes in bolometer materials containing a mixture of semiconducting carbon nanotubes and negative thermal expansion materials is challenging due to difficulties in creating a stable structure.
Innovation Solution
A composite material and method involving oxide particles with a particle size of at least 0.4 μm, where carbon nanotubes form a network on the surface of these particles, using a silane coupling agent to improve adhesion and a specific composite material forming process that includes creating a suspension with oxide particles and a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid to form a film and impregnate the nanotubes into a porous structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thin film containing a mixture of semiconducting carbon nanotubes and a negative thermal expansion material is formed, then the bolometer material can be created, but it is difficult to form a network of carbon nanotubes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a negative thermal expansion material as an intermediary substance between carbon nanotubes. This material has a unique property of contracting when heated, which counteracts the thermal expansion of the carbon nanotube network. The intermediary material facilitates network formation by providing structural support and maintaining the spatial arrangement of carbon nanotubes during the forming process, thereby resolving the difficulty in forming a stable carbon nanotube network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the parameter change of the negative thermal expansion material, which exhibits opposite thermal behavior to conventional materials. When temperature changes occur during network formation, this material contracts instead of expanding, creating favorable conditions for carbon nanotube network assembly. The parameter change in thermal expansion coefficient enables the material to compensate for thermal stresses and maintain network integrity during the forming process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If carbon nanotubes are mixed with negative thermal expansion material, then bolometer functionality is achieved, but the carbon nanotube network structure becomes difficult to form
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite material system combining carbon nanotubes with negative thermal expansion material. This composite structure leverages the unique properties of both components: carbon nanotubes provide electrical conductivity and sensing functionality, while the negative thermal expansion material provides structural stability and thermal compensation. The composite material approach enables simultaneous achievement of bolometer functionality and network stability by distributing different functions across different material phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different functional roles to different regions of the composite material. The carbon nanotubes are distributed to form conductive networks in specific regions, while the negative thermal expansion material is positioned to provide structural support and thermal compensation in other regions. This spatial differentiation of material properties and functions enables the system to achieve both electrical functionality and structural stability simultaneously.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates the easy formation of a three-dimensional network of carbon nanotubes, increasing the number of conductive paths and achieving a low resistance value, enhancing the performance of the composite material and bolometer in infrared detection.
Implementation Method 1
creating a solution containing a silane coupling agent, adding powder containing oxide particles to the solution to create a suspension
Implementation Method 2
forming a porous film containing the oxide particles by dripping a suspension containing oxide particles having a particle size of at least 0.4 μm or more and drying the suspension, and impregnating a carbon nanotube dispersion liquid into the porous film
Data Source
AI summary
A composite material includes a film containing oxide particles having a particle size of at least 0.4 μm or more, and carbon nanotubes forming a network on a surface of the oxide particles.