Method of Large Scale Fabrication of High CNT Content Composites with High Mechanical and Electrical Performance
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                        Tech ID:
                    
                    18-020
                Principal Investigator:
                    Dr. Zhiyong (Richard) Liang
                Licensing Manager:
                    
                Patents:
                    - U.S. Patent Pending
 
                        Description:
                    
                    Carbon nanotubes are ideal for polymer matrix composites due to their mechanical and electrical properties. However, to date, the overall properties of CNT-polymer composites have not reached their full potential due to poor dispersion and low concentrations of CNTs. Our new scalable process yields high-CNT content (60 wt%) polymer composites using a simple, three-step process:
- A filament winding process that allows for control of CNT orientation and overall composite thickness.
 - A mechanical stretching process that has shown improved CNT alignment and overall composite properties.
 - A curing process under tension that further stretches and aligns the CNTs in the stress direction.
 
These improved polymer composites are ideal for defense applications and deep space exploration.