Touch Panel Carbon Nanotube Dispersion via Electromagnetic Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in applying carbon nanotubes lies in their high surface energy, which causes aggregation, making it difficult to achieve evenly dispersed composites with low conductivity, limiting their applications.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a substrate with a carbon nanotube structure exposed to electromagnetic waves, where the carbon nanotubes are combined by van der Waals forces and embedded into the substrate, allowing for even dispersion and conductivity enhancement by infiltrating the substrate into micro gaps defined by the nanotubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If carbon nanotube powder is dispersed in composite using stirring or vibration, then carbon nanotubes can be distributed in the composite, but the carbon nanotubes aggregate due to high surface energy, making it difficult to achieve even dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a surfactant as an intermediary substance to reduce surface energy and prevent carbon nanotube aggregation. The surfactant molecules adsorb onto the carbon nanotube surfaces, creating a steric or electrostatic barrier that keeps nanotubes separated and evenly dispersed in the composite matrix.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface energy parameter of carbon nanotubes by applying surface modification treatments or selecting specific dispersants that alter the interfacial properties. This parameter change reduces the tendency of nanotubes to aggregate and improves their compatibility with the composite matrix.
2Reliability
If carbon nanotubes are dispersed in carbon nanotube composite, then the composite can be formed, but the surface conductivity is low, limiting applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structure where carbon nanotubes are integrated with conductive polymers or metal particles to enhance surface conductivity. This composite approach combines the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes with the electrical conductivity of other materials, achieving both structural integrity and electrical functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies conductive coatings or treatments specifically to the surface regions where conductivity is needed, rather than uniformly treating the entire composite. This local quality enhancement focuses resources on improving surface conductivity while maintaining the overall composite structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If electromagnetic waves are used to process carbon nanotube structure, then even dispersion and conductivity enhancement are achieved, but energy absorption must be optimized to avoid substrate damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies electromagnetic energy at controlled, partial levels that are sufficient to achieve the desired dispersion and conductivity enhancement without exceeding the threshold that would cause substrate damage. This partial action approach optimizes the energy input to match the minimum required for effective processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback-controlled electromagnetic processing system that monitors the state of the carbon nanotube composite during treatment and adjusts the energy input in real-time. This feedback mechanism prevents excessive energy absorption that could damage the substrate while ensuring adequate energy delivery for achieving uniform dispersion and 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 method results in a conductive carbon nanotube composite with improved mechanical strength and reduced sheet resistance, enabling efficient energy absorption and distribution without damaging the substrate, while maintaining a thin composite structure.
Implementation Method 1
a carbon nanotube structure (304) is disposed on the surface (301) of the substrate (300)
Implementation Method 2
disposing the substrate (300) and the carbon nanotube structure (304) in an environment filled with electromagnetic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A touch panel is related. The touch panel includes a first electrode board, a second electrode board spaced from the first electrode board, a number of transparent spacers disposed between the first electrode board and the second electrode board, and an insulating frame disposed between the first electrode board and the second electrode board and around the plurality of transparent spacers. The first electrode board includes a first substrate, a first carbon nanotube structure located on and buried under a first surface of the first substrate, and two first electrodes electrically connected to the first carbon nanotube structure. A distance between the first carbon nanotube structure and the first surface of the first substrate is less than 10 micrometers.