CNT Surface Network Composite for Conductive Molded Articles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current composite materials with high concentrations of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) fail to achieve desired levels of electrical conductivity, heat conductivity, and mechanical strength for practical use due to intermediary agents causing insulation or heat conduction failures, while also risking impairment of the base material's original functions.
Innovation Solution
A composite material is developed where CNTs are dispersed without intermediary agents, and mechanical energy is applied to create a reversible reaction state, allowing CNTs to directly connect and adhere to the base material, forming a network structure without the use of dispersants or adhesives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If dispersants and adhesives are added to disperse and adhere CNTs to the base material, then uniform dispersion and adhesion are achieved, but electrical conductivity and heat conductivity are impaired due to intermediary agents
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the intermediary agents (dispersants and adhesives) from the composite material system. By using mechanical energy input to achieve dispersion and adhesion without these chemical additives, the CNTs can directly contact the base material and each other, establishing efficient conduction pathways while maintaining uniform distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses mechanical energy as an intermediary to achieve the dispersion and adhesion functions traditionally performed by chemical dispersants and adhesives. This energy-mediated approach allows CNTs to disperse uniformly and adhere to the base material without requiring chemical intermediary substances that would impede conductivity.
2Reliability
If large quantities of CNTs are used to form high-density networks, then electrical conductivity and mechanical strength are improved, but the original functions of the base material are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating CNTs specifically at the surface of the base material where they are needed for enhanced conductivity and strength, while keeping the bulk base material composition unchanged. This surface-localized approach allows the base material to maintain its original bulk properties while gaining improved surface-level performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure where CNTs are adhered to the base material surface to form a hybrid system that combines the properties of both materials. The base material provides its original functions while the CNT network layer provides enhanced electrical conductivity, heat conductivity, and mechanical strength without compromising the base material's core functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If dispersants are used to prevent CNT aggregation, then uniform dispersion is achieved, but the dispersant coats the CNT surface causing insulation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the dispersant substance from the system and replaces its function with mechanical energy input. By applying ultrasonic vibration or other mechanical energy during the dispersion process, CNTs can be separated and distributed uniformly without requiring a dispersant coating that would insulate the CNT surfaces and reduce conductivity.
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
This approach enables the composite material to exhibit enhanced electrical and heat conductivity, as well as improved mechanical strength, even at low CNT concentrations, while maintaining the base material's original functions and preventing CNT detachment.
Implementation Method 1
since such CNTs irreversibly aggregate in the CNT nano-dispersion due to the van der Waals force
Implementation Method 2
upon this dispersion, ultrasonic irradiation or stirring is performed as an auxiliary treatment on the CNT nano-dispersion
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
Provided are: a composite material capable of exhibiting the original functions of a base material thereof and also capable of exhibiting functions derived from CNTs, such as electrical conductivity, heat conductivity, and mechanical strength; and a molded article therefrom. A composite material (1) comprising a base material (3) and a structure (7) formed on the surface of the base material (3), the structure (7) including a plurality of carbon nanotubes (5), wherein the plurality of carbon nanotubes (5) form a network structure, in which the carbon nanotubes are directly connected with one another and also directly adhere to the surface of the base material (3).