APPLIED NANOSTRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20140154412 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SURFACE TREATMENT AND BARRIER COATING OF FIBERS FOR IN SITU CNT GROWTH - A system for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNT) on a fiber material includes a surface treatment system adapted to modify the surface of the fiber material to receive a barrier coating upon which carbon nanotubes are to be grown, a barrier coating application system downstream of the surface treatment system adapted to apply the barrier coating to the treated fiber material surface, and a barrier coating curing system downstream of the barrier coating application systems for partially curing the applied barrier coating to enhance reception of CNT growth catalyst nanoparticles. | 06-05-2014 |
20140151111 | CARBON NANOSTRUCTURE-COATED FIBERS OF LOW AREAL WEIGHT AND METHODS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME - Carbon nanostructures can convey enhanced electrical conductivity to various substrates, while maintaining a high surface area and low density per unit area. Such substrates can provide good shielding against electromagnetic radiation over a wide range of frequencies. Electrically conductive structures can include a support layer containing a plurality of fibers having apertures defined between the fibers, and a plurality of carbon nanostructures at least partially conformally coating the fibers and bridging across the apertures defined between adjacent fibers to form a continuous carbon nanostructure layer. Each carbon nanostructure can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. | 06-05-2014 |
20140099493 | CARBON NANOSTRUCTURE LAYERS AND METHODS FOR MAKING THE SAME - A carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate adhered to the carbon nanostructure can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. Carbon nanostructures can be agglomerated with one another and densified to form a carbon nanostructure layer in which at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes in each carbon nanostructure are aligned substantially parallel to one another. Methods for forming a carbon nanostructure layer can include providing a plurality of carbon nanostructures that are free of a growth substrate adhered to each carbon nanostructure, and forming a carbon nanostructure layer by depositing the carbon nanostructures on a surface. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097917 | MICROWAVE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLIES FABRICATED FROM CARBON NANOSTRUCTURE POLYMER COMPOSITES - Carbon nanostructures can be formed into polymer composites that are electrically conductive and highly reflective of microwave radiation, thereby facilitating transmission of the microwave radiation. Microwave transmission assemblies containing carbon nanostructures can include an elongate structure containing elongate opposing surfaces that extend the length of the elongate structure and that are spaced apart from one another with a channel region defined in between. The elongate opposing surfaces include a polymer composite containing a polymer matrix and a plurality of carbon nanostructures. Each carbon nanostructure can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097146 | CARBON NANOSTRUCTURE SEPARATION MEMBRANES AND SEPARATION PROCESSES USING SAME - Carbon nanostructures can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another, thereby defining a porous space having a tortuous path within the carbon nanostructures. The porous space can be used for sequestering a range of particulate sizes from various types of substances. Separation membranes can include a separation body having an effective pore size of about 1 micron or less and providing a tortuous path for passage of a substance therethrough. The separation body can include carbon nanostructures. | 04-10-2014 |
20140094541 | COMPOSITE MATERIALS FORMED BY SHEAR MIXING OF CARBON NANOSTRUCTURES AND RELATED METHODS - Carbon nanostructures free of an adhered growth substrate can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. Under applied shear, crosslinks between the carbon nanotubes in carbon nanostructures can break to form fractured carbon nanotubes that are branched and share common walls. Methods for making polymer composites from carbon nanostructures can include combining a polymer matrix and a plurality of carbon nanostructures that are free of an adhered growth substrate, and dispersing the carbon nanostructures in the polymer matrix under applied shear. The applied shear breaks crosslinks between the carbon nanotubes to form a plurality of fractured carbon nanotubes that are dispersed as individuals in the polymer matrix. Polymer composites can include a polymer matrix and a plurality of fractured carbon nanotubes dispersed as individuals in the polymer matrix. | 04-03-2014 |
20140093728 | CARBON NANOSTRUCTURES AND METHODS OF MAKING THE SAME - A carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. The carbon nanostructure can be released from a growth substrate in the form of a flake material. Optionally, the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanostructure can be coated, such as with a polymer, or a filler material can be present within the porosity of the carbon nanostructure. Methods for forming a carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include providing a carbon nanostructure adhered to a growth substrate, and removing the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate to form a carbon nanostructure that is free of the growth substrate. Various techniques can be used to affect removal of the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate. Isolation of the carbon nanostructure can further employ various wet and/or dry separation techniques. | 04-03-2014 |
20140065447 | HYBRID CAPACITOR-BATTERY AND SUPERCAPACITOR WITH ACTIVE BI-FUNCTIONAL ELECTROLYTE - An electrode includes a substrate having a carbon nanostructure (CNS) disposed thereon and a coating including an active material conformally disposed about the carbon nanostructure and the substrate. The electrode is used in a hybrid capacitor-battery having a bifunctional electrolyte capable of energy storage. | 03-06-2014 |
20130236631 | RESISTANCE MEASUREMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - A quality control system for the manufacture of carbon nanostructure-laden substrates includes a resistance measurement module for continuously measuring resistance of the carbon nanostructure (CNS)-laden substrate. | 09-12-2013 |
20130143087 | CORE/SHELL STRUCTURED ELECTRODES FOR ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES - An energy storage device can include at least one electrode that comprise a plurality carbon nanostructure (CNS)-infused fibers in contact with an active material and an electrolyte. | 06-06-2013 |
20130101495 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUSLY PRODUCING CARBON NANOSTRUCTURES ON REUSABLE SUBSTRATES - A system includes a reusable substrate upon which a carbon nanostructure is formed as a carbon nanostructure-laden reusable substrate, a first conveyor system adapted to continuously convey the reusuable substrate through a carbon nanotube catalyst application station and carbon nanostructure growth station, and a second conveyor system adapted to create an interface between a second substrate and the carbon nanostructure-laden reusuable substrate, the interface facilitating transfer of a carbon nanostructure from the carbon nanostructure-laden reusuable substrate to the second substrate. A method includes growing a carbon nanostructure on a reusable substrate, the carbon nanostructure includes a carbon nanotube polymer having a structural morphology comprising interdigitation, branching, crosslinking, and shared walls and transferring the carbon nanostructure to a second substrate to provide a carbon nanostructure-laden second substrate. The method is adapted for continuous carbon nanostructure production on the reusable substrate. A pre-preg includes such a carbon nanostructure. | 04-25-2013 |
20130071565 | Apparatuses and Methods for Large-Scale Production of Hybrid Fibers Containing Carbon Nanostructures and Related Materials - An apparatus for growing carbon nanostructures (CNSs) on a substrate can include at least two CNS growth zones with at least one intermediate zone disposed therebetween and a substrate inlet before the CNS growth zones sized to allow a spoolable length substrate to pass therethrough. | 03-21-2013 |
20120280430 | COMPOSITE TOOLING CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBES AND PRODUCTION OF PARTS THEREFROM - Toolings containing a composite having a coefficient of thermal expansion of less than about 5 ppm/° C. are described. The composites contain a matrix material and a carbon nanotube material and are operable for forming a part thereon. Methods for forming such toolings and use of such toolings to form parts thereon are also described. The carbon nanotube material can be a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material. Use of the carbon nanotube material in the tooling allows decreased curing and consolidation process times of the part to be realized. | 11-08-2012 |
20120263935 | CNS-INFUSED CARBON NANOMATERIALS AND PROCESS THEREFOR - A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn or sheet and a plurality of carbon nanostructures (CNSs) infused to a surface of the CNT yarn or sheet, wherein the CNSs are disposed substantially radially from the surface of the CNT yarn or outwardly from the sheet. Such compositions can be used in various combinations in composite articles. | 10-18-2012 |
20120255494 | LOW TEMPERATURE CNT GROWTH USING GAS-PREHEAT METHOD - A method for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNT) comprises the steps of providing a growth chamber, the growth chamber being heated to a first temperature sufficiently high to facilitate a growth of carbon nanotubes; and passing a substrate through the growth chamber; and introducing a feed gas into the growth chamber pre-heated to a second temperature sufficient to dissociate at least some of the feed gas into at least free carbon radicals to thereby initiate formation of carbon nanotubes onto the substrate. | 10-11-2012 |
20120247800 | CNS-SHIELDED WIRES - A shielded wire includes a carbon nanostructure (CNS)-shielding layer including a CNS material in a matrix material, the CNS-shielding layer being monolithic and disposed about a dielectric layer and a conducting wire, wherein the dielectric layer is disposed between the CNS-shielding layer and the conducting wire. An extruded thermoplastic jacket includes a CNS material, the extruded thermoplastic jacket being configured to protect at least one wire. A thermoplastic article includes a CNS-infused fiber material and a flexible thermoplastic. | 10-04-2012 |
20120164429 | METAL MATRIX COMPOSITE MATERIALS CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBE-INFUSED FIBER MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - In various embodiments, composite materials containing a metal matrix having at least one metal and a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material are described herein. Illustrative metal matrices include, for example, aluminum, magnesium, copper, cobalt, nickel, zirconium, silver, gold, titanium and various mixtures thereof. The fiber materials can be continuous or chopped fibers and include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, silicon carbide fibers, boron carbide fibers, silicon nitride fibers and aluminum oxide fibers. The composite materials can further include a passivation layer overcoating at least the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material and, optionally, the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The metal matrix can include at least one additive that increases compatibility of the metal matrix with the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material. The fiber material can be distributed uniformly, non-uniformly or in a gradient manner in the metal matrix. Non-uniform distributions may be used to form impart different mechanical, electrical or thermal properties to different regions of the metal matrix. | 06-28-2012 |
20120160966 | CNT-TAILORED COMPOSITE SPACE-BASED STRUCTURES - An apparatus having a composite space-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities. | 06-28-2012 |
20120141880 | IONICALLY CONDUCTIVE POLYMERS, METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF AND ELECTRICAL DEVICES MADE THEREFROM - The electrical conductivity of ionically conductive polymers can be increased by polymerizing a mixture of a polymer precursor and an electrolyte in the presence of an electric field. Methods for making ionically conductive polymers can include providing a mixture containing an electrolyte and a polymer precursor, and polymerizing the polymer precursor while applying an electric field to the mixture. Ionically conductive polymers so prepared can be used in electrical devices. Methods for making electrical devices containing the ionically conductive polymers are also described. | 06-07-2012 |
20120070667 | CARBON FIBER SUBSTRATES HAVING CARBON NANOTUBES GROWN THEREON AND PROCESSES FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - Processes for growing carbon nanotubes on carbon fiber substrates are described herein. The processes can include depositing a catalyst precursor on a carbon fiber substrate, optionally depositing a non-catalytic material on the carbon fiber substrate, and after depositing the catalyst precursor and the optional non-catalytic material, exposing the carbon fiber substrate to carbon nanotube growth conditions so as to grow carbon nanotubes thereon. The carbon nanotube growth conditions can convert the catalyst precursor into a catalyst that is operable for growing carbon nanotubes. The carbon fiber substrate can remain stationary or be transported while the carbon nanotubes are being grown. Optionally, the carbon fiber substrates can include a barrier coating and/or be free of a sizing agent. Carbon fiber substrates having carbon nanotubes grown thereon are also described. | 03-22-2012 |
20120065300 | CNT-INFUSED FIBER AND METHOD THEREFOR - A carbon nanotube-infused fiber and a method for its production are disclosed. Nanotubes are synthesized directly on a parent fiber by first applying a catalyst to the fiber. The properties of the carbon nanotube-infused fiber will be a combination of those of the parent fiber as well as those of the infused carbon nanotubes. | 03-15-2012 |
20120064332 | GLASS SUBSTRATES HAVING CARBON NANOTUBES GROWN THEREON AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - Methods for growing carbon nanotubes on glass substrates, particularly glass fiber substrates, are described herein. The methods can include depositing a catalytic material or a catalyst precursor on a glass substrate; depositing a non-catalytic material on the glass substrate prior to, after, or concurrently with the catalytic material or catalyst precursor; and exposing the glass substrate to carbon nanotube growth conditions so as to grow carbon nanotubes thereon. The glass substrate, particularly a glass fiber substrate, can be transported while the carbon nanotubes are being grown thereon. Catalyst precursors can be converted into a catalyst when exposed to carbon nanotube growth conditions. The catalytic material or catalyst precursor and the non-catalytic material can be deposited from a solution containing water as a solvent. Illustrative deposition techniques include, for example, spray coating and dip coating. | 03-15-2012 |
20120058352 | METAL SUBSTRATES HAVING CARBON NANOTUBES GROWN THEREON AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - The present disclosure describes methods for growing carbon nanotubes on metal substrates. The methods include depositing a catalytic material on a metal substrate to form a catalyst-laden metal substrate; optionally depositing a non-catalytic material on the metal substrate prior to, after, or concurrently with the catalytic material; conveying the catalyst-laden metal substrate through a carbon nanotube growth reactor having carbon nanotube growth conditions therein; and growing carbon nanotubes on the catalyst-laden metal substrate. The catalyst-laden metal substrate can optionally remain stationary while the carbon nanotubes are being grown. The catalytic material can be a catalyst or a catalyst precursor. The catalytic material and the optional non-catalytic material can be deposited on the metal substrate from one or more solutions by, for example, spray coating or dip coating techniques. | 03-08-2012 |
20120058296 | METAL SUBSTRATES HAVING CARBON NANOTUBES GROWN THEREON AND PROCESSES FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - Processes for growing carbon nanotubes on metal substrates are described herein. The processes include depositing a catalyst precursor on a metal substrate, optionally depositing a non-catalytic material on the metal substrate, and after depositing the catalyst precursor and the optional non-catalytic material, exposing the metal substrate to carbon nanotube growth conditions so as to grow carbon nanotubes thereon. The carbon nanotube growth conditions convert the catalyst precursor into a catalyst that is operable for growing carbon nanotubes. The metal substrate can remain stationary or be transported while the carbon nanotubes are being grown. Metal substrates having carbon nanotubes grown thereon are also described. | 03-08-2012 |
20120000691 | CNT-INFUSED FIBER AS A SELF SHIELDING WIRE FOR ENHANCED POWER TRANSMISSION LINE - A wire includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned parallel to the fiber axes. An electromagnetic shield for a wire includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers, in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned radially about the fiber axes. The plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers are arranged circumferentially about the wire with the fiber axes parallel to the wire. A self-shielded wire includes 1) a wire that includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned parallel to the fiber axes; and 2) an electromagnetic shield that includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the carbon nanotubes are aligned radially about the fiber axes. The axes of the carbon nanotube infused fibers of the wire and the carbon nanotube infused fibers of the electromagnetic shield share are parallel. | 01-05-2012 |
20110304964 | ELECTRICAL DEVICES CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBE-INFUSED FIBERS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - Electrical devices having a plurality of stacked electrode layers are described. At least one of the electrode layers contains continuous fibers that are infused with carbon nanotubes. The continuous fibers can be disposed upon an electrically conductive base plate. The electrical devices can further contain an electrolyte contacting each electrode layer and a layer of separator material disposed between each electrode layer, in which case the electrical devices can form a supercapacitor. Such supercapacitors can have a capacitance of at least about 1 Farad/gram of continuous fibers. The capacitance can be increased by coating at least a portion of the infused carbon nanotubes with a material such as, for example, a conducting polymer, a main group metal compound, and/or a transition metal compound. Methods for producing the electrical devices are also described. | 12-15-2011 |
20110297892 | CNT-INFUSED FIBERS IN THERMOPLASTIC MATRICES - A composite includes a thermoplastic matrix material and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused fiber material dispersed through at least a portion of the thermoplastic matrix material. | 12-08-2011 |
20110242731 | SPIRAL WOUND ELECTRICAL DEVICES CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBE-INFUSED ELECTRODE MATERIALS AND METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - Electrical devices having electrodes containing carbon nanotubes infused to a substrate are described herein. The electrical devices contain at least a first electrode material containing a first plurality of carbon nanotubes infused to a first substrate and a second electrode material containing a second plurality of carbon nanotubes infused to a second substrate. The first electrode material and the second electrode material are wound in a spiral configuration about a central axis. The electrical devices can be supercapacitors, which also contain at least an electrolyte in contact with the first electrode material and the second electrode material, and a first separator material disposed between the first electrode material and the second electrode material. Methods and apparatuses for making the electrical devices are also disclosed herein. | 10-06-2011 |
20110216476 | ELECTRICAL DEVICES CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBE-INFUSED FIBERS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - Electrical devices containing continuous fibers that are infused with carbon nanotubes are described herein. The electrical devices contain at least a first electrode layer and a second electrode layer, where the first and second electrode layers each contain a plurality of continuous fibers that are infused with carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, the electrical devices can be supercapacitors, further containing at least a base plate, a layer of separator material disposed between the first and second electrode layers, and an electrolyte in contact with the first and second electrode layers. The first and second electrode layers can be formed by conformal winding of the continuous fibers. The electrical devices can contain any number of additional electrode layers, each being separated from one another by a layer of separator material. Methods for producing the electrical devices are also described herein. | 09-08-2011 |
20110186775 | CARBON NANOTUBE-INFUSED FIBER MATERIALS CONTAINING PARALLEL-ALIGNED CARBON NANOTUBES, METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF, AND COMPOSITE MATERIALS DERIVED THEREFROM - Carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials containing substantially parallel-aligned, infused carbon nanotubes are described herein. The carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials contain a fiber material and a layer of carbon nanotubes infused to the fiber material, where the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the fiber material and at least a portion of the substantially parallel-aligned, infused carbon nanotubes are crosslinked to each other, to the fiber material, or both. Crosslinking can occur through covalent bonding or pi-stacking interactions, for example. The carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials can further contain additional carbon nanotubes that are grown on the layer of substantially parallel-aligned, infused carbon nanotubes. Composite materials containing the carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials and methods for production of the carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials are also described herein. | 08-04-2011 |
20110180478 | FILTRATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS RELATED THERETO USING CARBON NANOTUBE-INFUSED FIBER MATERIALS OF SPOOLABLE LENGTH AS A MOVING FILTRATION MEDIUM - Filtration systems containing a filtration medium and methods related thereto are described herein. The filtration system includes a plurality of fibers of spoolable length, where the fibers are a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material. The filtration systems can be operated with reel-to-reel processing or in a continuous manner in order to sorb hydrophobic materials from a liquid medium. The filtration systems also include various means to remove the hydrophobic materials from the filtration medium, including press rollers and chemical extraction baths. Illustrative liquid media that can be treated with the filtration systems include, for example, hydrophobic materials admixed in an aqueous phase, bilayers (e.g., oil-water bilayers), oil in a subterranean formation, water sources containing trace organic pollutants or trace organic compounds, and fermentation broths. | 07-28-2011 |
20110174519 | CNT-INFUSED FIBER AS A SELF SHIELDING WIRE FOR ENHANCED POWER TRANSMISSION LINE - A wire includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned parallel to the fiber axes. An electromagnetic shield for a wire includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers, in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned radially about the fiber axes. The plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers are arranged circumferentially about the wire with the fiber axes parallel to the wire. A self-shielded wire includes 1) a wire that includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the infused carbon nanotubes are aligned parallel to the fiber axes; and 2) an electromagnetic shield that includes a plurality of carbon nanotube infused fibers in which the carbon nanotubes are aligned radially about the fiber axes. The axes of the carbon nanotube infused fibers of the wire and the carbon nanotube infused fibers of the electromagnetic shield share are parallel. | 07-21-2011 |
20110171469 | CNT-INFUSED ARAMID FIBER MATERIALS AND PROCESS THEREFOR - A composition includes a carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused aramid fiber material that includes an aramid fiber material of spoolable dimensions, a barrier coating conformally disposed about the aramid fiber material, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) infused to the aramid fiber material. The infused CNTs are uniform in length and uniform in density. A continuous CNT infusion process includes:(a) disposing a barrier coating and a carbon nanotube (CNT)-forming catalyst on a surface of an aramid fiber material of spoolable dimensions; and (b) synthesizing carbon nanotubes on the aramid fiber material, thereby forming a carbon nanotube-infused aramid fiber material. | 07-14-2011 |
20110143087 | FLAME-RESISTANT COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND ARTICLES CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBE-INFUSED FIBER MATERIALS - Flame-resistant composite materials containing carbon nanotubes are described herein. The flame-resistant composite materials contain an outer layer and at least one inner layer, containing a first polymer matrix and a second polymer matrix, respectively. The outer layer has an exterior surface and a first carbon nanotube-infused fiber material that contains a first fiber material and a first plurality of carbon nanotubes greater than about 50 μm in length. In some embodiments, the at least one inner layer also contains a second fiber material and/or a second carbon nanotube-infused fiber material containing a second fiber material and a second plurality of carbon nanotubes. When present, the second plurality of carbon nanotubes are generally shorter in length than the first plurality of carbon nanotubes. Alignment of the carbon nanotubes in the outer layer can transfer heat away from the composite material's inner layer(s). Flame-resistant articles containing carbon nanotube-infused fiber materials are also described. | 06-16-2011 |
20110135491 | CNT-TAILORED COMPOSITE LAND-BASED STRUCTURES - An apparatus having a composite land-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities. | 06-09-2011 |
20110133031 | CNT-TAILORED COMPOSITE AIR-BASED STRUCTURES - An apparatus having a composite air-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132245 | CNT-TAILORED COMPOSITE SEA-BASED STRUCTURES - An apparatus having a composite sea-based structure with a first carbon nanotube infused material and a second carbon nanotube infused material. The first and second carbon nanotube infused materials each having a range of carbon nanotube loading selected to provide different functionalities. | 06-09-2011 |
20110124483 | CERAMIC COMPOSITE MATERIALS CONTAINING CARBON NANOTUBE-INFUSED FIBER MATERIALS AND METHODS FOR PRODUCTION THEREOF - In various embodiments, composite materials containing a ceramic matrix and a carbon nanotube-infused fiber material are described herein. Illustrative ceramic matrices include, for example, binary, ternary and quaternary metal or non-metal borides, oxides, nitrides and carbides. The ceramic matrix can also be a cement. The fiber materials can be continuous or chopped fibers and include, for example, glass fibers, carbon fibers, metal fibers, ceramic fibers, organic fibers, silicon carbide fibers, boron carbide fibers, silicon nitride fibers and aluminum oxide fibers. The composite materials can further include a passivation layer overcoating at least the carbon nanotube-infused fiber material and, optionally, the plurality of carbon nanotubes. The fiber material can be distributed uniformly, non-uniformly or in a gradient manner in the ceramic matrix. Non-uniform distributions may be used to form impart different mechanical, electrical or thermal properties to different regions of the ceramic matrix. | 05-26-2011 |
20110124253 | CNT-INFUSED FIBERS IN CARBON-CARBON COMPOSITES - A carbon/carbon (C/C) composite includes a carbon matrix and a non-woven, carbon nanotube (CNT)-infused carbon fiber material. Where woven materials are employed, CNTs are infused on a parent carbon fiber material in a non-woven state. A C/C composite includes a barrier coating on the CNT-infused fiber material. An article is constructed from these (C/C) composites. A method of making a C/C composite includes winding a continuous CNT-infused carbon fiber about a template structure and forming a carbon matrix to provide an initial C/C composite or by dispersing chopped CNT-infused carbon fibers in a carbon matrix precursor to provide a mixture, placing the mixture in a mold, and forming a carbon matrix to provide an initial C/C composite. | 05-26-2011 |
20110123735 | CNT-INFUSED FIBERS IN THERMOSET MATRICES - A structural support includes a cylindrical core, an inner layer within the core and an outer layer. The inner and outer layers include CNT-infused fiber materials in a thermoset matrix. A composite includes a thermoset matrix and a CNT-infused fiber material having CNTs with lengths between about 20 to about 500 microns or about 0.1 to about 15 microns. For the latter range, CNTs are present between about 0.1 to about 5 percent by weight of the composite. A method of making a structural support includes wet winding a first CNT-infused fiber about a cylindrical mandrel in a direction substantially parallel to the mandrel axis, wet winding a baseline layer about the first CNT-infused fiber at an angle substantially non-parallel to the mandrel axis, and wet winding a second CNT-infused fiber about the baseline layer in a direction substantially parallel to the mandrel axis. | 05-26-2011 |
20110089958 | DAMAGE-SENSING COMPOSITE STRUCTURES - A composite includes a matrix material and a unidirectional array of carbon nanotube-infused fibers disposed in a portion of the matrix material. An article includes this composite and a network of electrodes disposed about the periphery of the composite. The electrodes send and receive an electrical charge. Such an article is included in a system, along with sensing circuitry and a source for supplying current to the network of electrodes. Such a system is used in a method that includes subjecting the article to a load that causes a condition in the composite including strain, fatigue, damage, or cracks, and monitoring the location of the condition. | 04-21-2011 |