Oriented Carbon Nanotube-Resin Composite for Higher Breaking Strength
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing carbon nanotube wires result in lower breaking strength due to non-oriented carbon nanotubes being mixed with dispersing agents, leading to reduced structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the growth, orientation, and assembly of carbon nanotubes to form a highly oriented carbon nanotube-resin composite, where the carbon nanotubes are oriented at a degree of 0.9 or more and 1 or less, with a resin content of 0.1% to less than 100% by mass, using thermosetting or photo-curable resins like novolac type epoxy or polymethylmethacrylate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If carbon nanotubes are grown using conventional vapor deposition methods, then carbon nanotubes can be produced, but the carbon nanotubes become non-oriented and mixed with dispersing agents, resulting in reduced breaking strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by orienting carbon nanotubes during the growth process itself, rather than attempting to orient them after growth. The catalyst particles are pre-oriented on a substrate before CNT growth, ensuring that the nanotubes grow in a predetermined oriented state, which resolves the contradiction between producing CNTs and maintaining their orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a substrate as an intermediary medium to hold and orient the catalyst particles. This substrate acts as a mediator that enables both the growth of carbon nanotubes and their orientation simultaneously, eliminating the need for dispersing agents that compromise structural integrity
2Ease of manufacture
If dispersing agents are used to handle carbon nanotubes, then carbon nanotubes can be processed, but the structural integrity and breaking strength are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for dispersing agents by providing an alternative method where carbon nanotubes are grown directly in an oriented state on a substrate. This removes the harmful element (dispersing agents) while maintaining ease of manufacture through the oriented growth process
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon nanotubes serve themselves by growing in an oriented state without requiring external dispersing agents for handling. The oriented growth process inherently provides the necessary processing capability, eliminating the need for harmful additives
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 resulting carbon nanotube-resin composite exhibits enhanced breaking strength, suitable for complex shapes and curvatures, maintaining electrical conductivity and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The carbon nanotube is obtained, for example, through vapor deposition by supplying a carbon-containing source gas while heating a fine catalyst such as iron to grow the carbon nanotube from the catalyst
Implementation Method 2
evaporating the volatile liquid adhered to the plurality of carbon nanotube assembled wires to obtain the carbon nanotube-resin composite
Data Source
AI summary
A carbon nanotube-resin composite includes: a carbon nanotube assembled wire including a plurality of carbon nanotubes; and a resin, wherein in the carbon nanotube assembled wire, the carbon nanotubes are oriented at a degree of orientation of 0.9 or more and 1 or less.