Graphitized Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composite Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional carbon nanotube structures, primarily in particle or powder forms, lack the mechanical strength necessary for macro-scale applications, limiting their use in structures like carbon nanotube wires due to reliance on van der Waals attractive forces for bonding.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the composition of carbon nanotube structures with polymers, followed by graphitization, to create a composite structure that integrates carbon nanotubes with graphite, enhancing mechanical strength through carbon-carbon bonds in addition to van der Waals forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If carbon nanotubes are joined only by van der Waals attractive force, then the structure can be formed, but the mechanical strength is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure by growing graphite crystals within the carbon nanotube array. This composite approach combines the high strength-to-weight ratio of carbon nanotubes with the strong covalent bonding of graphite, achieving enhanced mechanical strength that exceeds what van der Waals forces alone can provide. The graphite crystals are embedded within the nanotube structure, creating a multi-phase material with superior mechanical properties.
2Ease of operation
If conventional particle or powder forms of carbon nanotubes are used, then the material is easy to handle, but macro-scale applications are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the individual nanotube segments within the array while enabling them to function as a macro-scale structure. The carbon nanotubes remain as discrete, handleable units that can be processed using conventional techniques, while the overall array structure provides macro-scale integrity and formability. This segmentation allows the material to bridge the gap between microscopic handling and macroscopic application.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a composite structure with graphite crystals embedded in the carbon nanotube array, the patent achieves macro-scale structural integrity while maintaining the ease of handling characteristics of carbon nanotube materials. The composite structure provides both the mechanical strength needed for macro applications and the processability required for practical manipulation.
3Length of moving object
If carbon nanotube wires are drawn from carbon nanotube arrays, then macro-scale structures can be formed, but the mechanical strength needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the mechanical strength of drawn carbon nanotube wires by incorporating graphite crystals within the nanotube array before drawing. This composite structure provides reinforcement that maintains or improves mechanical strength during the drawing process and in the final macro-scale wire product, overcoming the limitation of conventional drawn wires that rely solely on van der Waals forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary structuring by growing graphite crystals within the carbon nanotube array before the drawing process. This preliminary action pre-reinforces the nanotube structure with strong covalent bonds, ensuring that the subsequent drawing into macro-scale wires maintains high mechanical strength without requiring additional strengthening steps afterward.
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
The composite carbon nanotube structure exhibits improved mechanical strength and durability, allowing for the formation of free-standing structures and increased surface area, accommodating more polymer and enabling the creation of robust macro-scale structures like wires and films.
Implementation Method 1
graphitizing the polymer composited with the carbon nanotube structure
Implementation Method 2
The carbon nanotubes joined end to end by van der Waals attractive force therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
A method for making a composite carbon nanotube structure is introduced. The method includes the following steps. A carbon nanotube structure and a polymer are provided. The polymer and the carbon nanotube structure are composited together. The composite carbon nanotube structure composited with polymer and the carbon nanotube is then graphitized.