Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080275172 | Nanocomposites from stable dispersions of carbon nanotubes in polymeric matrices using dispersion interaction - Stable dispersions of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymeric matrices include CNTs dispersed in a host polymer or copolymer whose monomers have delocalized electron orbitals, so that a dispersion interaction results between the host polymer or copolymer and the CNTs dispersed therein. Nanocomposite products, which are presented in bulk, or when fabricated as a film, fiber, foam, coating, adhesive, paste, or molding, are prepared by standard means from the present stable dispersions of CNTs in polymeric matrices, employing dispersion interactions, as presented hereinabove. | 11-06-2008 |
20080287589 | Sensing/Actuating Materials Made From Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites and Methods for Making Same - An electroactive sensing or actuating material comprises a composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electromechanical operation of the composite when such composite is affected by an external stimulus. In another embodiment, the composite comprises a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic that is also incorporated in the polymer matrix. The method for making the three-phase composite comprises either incorporating the carbon nanotubes in the polymer matrix before incorporation of the particles of ceramic or mixing the carbon nanotubes and particles of ceramic together in a solution before incorporation in the polymer matrix. | 11-20-2008 |
20090117021 | Boron Nitride Nanotubes - Boron nitride nanotubes are prepared by a process which includes:
| 05-07-2009 |
20090134362 | Aqueous Solution Dispersement of Carbon Nanotubes - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are dispersed in an aqueous buffer solution consisting of at least 50 weight percent water and a remainder weight percent that includes a buffer material. The buffer material has a molecular structure defined by a first end, a second end, and a middle disposed between the first and second ends. The first end is a cyclic ring with nitrogen and oxygen heteroatomes, the middle is a hydrophobic alkyl chain, and the second end is a charged group. | 05-28-2009 |
20090136828 | Carbon Nanotube Electrodes and Method for Fabricating Same for Use in Biofuel Cell and Fuel Cell Applications - Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are mixed in an aqueous buffer solution that includes a buffer material having a molecular structure defined by a first end, a second end, and a middle disposed between the first and second ends. The first end is a cyclic ring with nitrogen and oxygen heteroatomes, the middle is a hydrophobic alkyl chain, and the second end is a charged group. The resulting solution includes the CNTs dispersed therein. Metal-core ferritins are then mixed into the resulting solution where at least a portion of the ferritins are coupled to the CNTs. | 05-28-2009 |
20100068485 | Multilayer Electroactive Polymer Composite Material - An electroactive material comprises multiple layers of electroactive composite with each layer having unique dielectric, electrical and mechanical properties that define an electromechanical operation thereof when affected by an external stimulus. For example, each layer can be (i) a 2-phase composite made from a polymer with polarizable moieties and an effective amount of carbon nanotubes incorporated in the polymer for a predetermined electomechanical operation, or (ii) a 3-phase composite having the elements of the 2-phase composite and further including a third component of micro-sized to nano-sized particles of an electroactive ceramic incorporated in the polymer matrix. | 03-18-2010 |
20100078600 | Electrically Conductive, Optically Transparent Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composites And Process For Preparation Thereof - The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T | 04-01-2010 |
20100084618 | Electrically Conductive, Optically Transparent Polymer/Carbon Nanotube Composites - The present invention is directed to the effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into polymer matrices. The nanocomposites are prepared using polymer matrices and exhibit a unique combination of properties, most notably, high retention of optical transparency in the visible range (i.e., 400-800 nm), electrical conductivity, and high thermal stability. By appropriate selection of the matrix resin, additional properties such as vacuum ultraviolet radiation resistance, atomic oxygen resistance, high glass transition (T | 04-08-2010 |
20110001398 | Carbon Nanotube Film Electrode and an Electroactive Device Fabricated with the Carbon Nanotube Film Electrode and a Method for Making Same - A single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by multi-wall carbon nanotubes or few wall carbon nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. The EAP actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices. | 01-06-2011 |
20110068291 | Metallized nanotube polymer composite (MNPC) and methods for making same - A novel method to develop highly conductive functional materials which can effectively shield various electromagnetic effects (EMEs) and harmful radiations. Metallized nanotube polymer composites (MNPC) are composed of a lightweight polymer matrix, superstrong nanotubes (NT), and functional nanoparticle inclusions. MNPC is prepared by supercritical fluid infusion of various metal precursors (Au, Pt, Fe, and Ni salts), incorporated simultaneously or sequentially, into a solid NT-polymer composite followed by thermal reduction. The infused metal precursor tends to diffuse toward the nanotube surface preferentially as well as the surfaces of the NT-polymer matrix, and is reduced to form nanometer-scale metal particles or metal coatings. The conductivity of the MNPC increases with the metallization, which provides better shielding capabilities against various EMEs and radiations by reflecting and absorbing EM waves more efficiently. Furthermore, the supercritical fluid infusion process aids to improve the toughness of the composite films significantly regardless of the existence of metal. | 03-24-2011 |
20110105293 | Negative Dielectric Constant Material Based on Ion Conducting Materials - Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly(benzimidazole) (PBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped FBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI. | 05-05-2011 |
20110169187 | Mechanically Strong, Thermally Stable, And Electrically Conductive Nanocomposite Structure and Method of Fabricating Same - A nanocomposite structure and method of fabricating same are provided. The nanocomposite structure is a polymer in an extruded shape with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) longitudinally disposed and dispersed in the extruded shape along a dimension thereof. The polymer is characteristically defined as having a viscosity of at least approximately 100,000 poise at a temperature of 200° C. | 07-14-2011 |
20110192016 | Energy conversion materials fabricated with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and BNNT polymer composites - Electroactive actuation characteristics of novel BNNT based materials are described. Several series of BNNT based electroactive materials including BNNT/polyimide composites and BNNT films are prepared. The BNNT based electroactive materials show high piezoelectric coefficients, d | 08-11-2011 |
20110192319 | Nanotubular Toughening Inclusions - Conventional toughening agents are typically rubbery materials or small molecular weight molecules, which mostly sacrifice the intrinsic properties of a matrix such as modulus, strength, and thermal stability as side effects. On the other hand, high modulus inclusions tend to reinforce elastic modulus very efficiently, but not the strength very well. For example, mechanical reinforcement with inorganic inclusions often degrades the composite toughness, encountering a frequent catastrophic brittle failure triggered by minute chips and cracks. Thus, toughening generally conflicts with mechanical reinforcement. Carbon nanotubes have been used as efficient reinforcing agents in various applications due to their combination of extraordinary mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties. Moreover, nanotubes can elongate more than 20% without yielding or breaking, and absorb significant amounts of energy during deformation, which enables them to also be an efficient toughening agent, as well as excellent reinforcing inclusion. Accordingly, an improved toughening method is provided by incorporating nanotubular inclusions into a host matrix, such as thermoset and thermoplastic polymers or ceramics without detrimental effects on the matrix's intrinsic physical properties. | 08-11-2011 |
20120032375 | Fine-Grained Targets For Laser Synthesis of Carbon Nanotubes - A mechanically robust, binder-free, inexpensive target for laser synthesis of carbon nanotubes and a method for making same, comprising the steps of mixing prismatic edge natural flake graphite with a metal powder catalyst and pressing the graphite and metal powder mixture into a mold having a desired target shape. | 02-09-2012 |
20120107594 | Nanotube Film Electrode and an Electroactive Device Fabricated with the Nanotube Film Electrode and Methods for Making Same - Disclosed is a single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) film electrode (FE), all-organic electroactive device systems fabricated with the SWNT-FE, and methods for making same. The SWCNT can be replaced by other types of nanotubes. The SWCNT film can be obtained by filtering SWCNT solution onto the surface of an anodized alumina membrane. A freestanding flexible SWCNT film can be collected by breaking up this brittle membrane. The conductivity of this SWCNT film can advantageously be higher than 280 S/cm. An electroactive polymer (EAP) actuator layered with the SWNT-FE shows a higher electric field-induced strain than an EAP layered with metal electrodes because the flexible SWNT-FE relieves the restraint of the displacement of the polymeric active layer as compared to the metal electrode. In addition, if thin enough, the SWNT-FE is transparent in the visible light range, thus making it suitable for use in actuators used in optical devices. | 05-03-2012 |
20120171487 | BxCyNz nanotube formation via the pressurized vapor/condenser method - Nanotube filaments comprising carbon, boron and nitrogen of the general formula B | 07-05-2012 |
20120186742 | High kinetic energy penetrator shielding and high wear resistance materials fabricated with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTS) and BNNT polymer composites - Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), boron nitride nanoparticles (BNNPs), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphites, or combinations, are incorporated into matrices of polymer, ceramic or metals. Fibers, yarns, and woven or nonwoven mats of BNNTs are used as toughening layers in penetration resistant materials to maximize energy absorption and/or high hardness layers to rebound or deform penetrators. They can be also used as reinforcing inclusions combining with other polymer matrices to create composite layers like typical reinforcing fibers such as Kevlar®, Spectra®, ceramics and metals. Enhanced wear resistance and usage time are achieved by adding boron nitride nanomaterials, increasing hardness and toughness. Such materials can be used in high temperature environments since the oxidation temperature of BNNTs exceeds 800° C. in air. Boron nitride based composites are useful as strong structural materials for anti-micrometeorite layers for spacecraft and space suits, ultra strong tethers, protective gear, vehicles, helmets, shields and safety suits/helmets for industry. | 07-26-2012 |
20130119316 | Boron nitride and boron nitride nanotube materials for radiation shielding - Effective radiation shielding is required to protect crew and equipment in various fields including aerospace, defense, medicine and power generation. Light elements and in particular hydrogen are most effective at shielding against high-energy particles including galactic cosmic rays, solar energetic particles and fast neutrons. However, pure hydrogen is highly flammable, has a low neutron absorption cross-section, and cannot be made into structural components. Nanocomposites containing the light elements Boron, Nitrogen, Carbon and Hydrogen as well dispersed boron nano-particles, boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) and boron nitride nano-platelets, in a matrix, provide effective radiation shielding materials in various functional forms. Boron and nitrogen have large neutron absorption cross-sections and wide absorption spectra. The incorporation of boron and nitrogen containing nanomaterials into hydrogen containing matrices provides composites that can effectively shield against neutrons and a wide range of radiation species of all energies without fragmentation and the generation of harmful secondary particles. | 05-16-2013 |
20140017480 | DOPED CHIRAL POLYMER METAMATERIALS - Some implementations provide a composite material that includes a first material and a second material. In some implementations, the composite material is a metamaterial. The first material includes a chiral polymer (e.g., crystalline chiral helical polymer, poly-γ-benzyl-L-glutamate (PBLG), poly-L-lactic acid (PLA), polypeptide, and/or polyacetylene). The second material is within the chiral polymer. The first material and the second material are configured to provide an effective index of refraction value for the composite material of 1 or less. In some implementations, the effective index of refraction value for the composite material is negative. In some implementations, the effective index of refraction value for the composite material of 1 or less is at least in a wavelength of one of at least a visible spectrum, an infrared spectrum, a microwave spectrum, and/or an ultraviolet spectrum. | 01-16-2014 |
20140041705 | SOLAR RADIATION CONTROL AND ENERGY HARVESTING FILM - Some implementations provide a device (e.g., solar panel) that includes an active layer and a solar absorbance layer. The active layer includes a first N-type layer and a first P-type layer. The solar absorbance layer is coupled to a first surface of the active layer. The solar absorbance layer includes a polymer composite. In some implementations, the polymer composite includes one of at least metal salts and/or carbon nanotubes. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the photovoltaic effect. In some implementations, the active layer further includes a second N-type layer and a second P-type layer. In some implementations, the active layer is configured to provide the thermoelectric effect. In some implementations, the device further includes a cooling layer coupled to a second surface of the active layer. In some implementations, the cooling layer includes one of at least zinc oxides, indium oxides, and/or carbon nanotubes. | 02-13-2014 |
20140265057 | Nanostructure Neutron Converter Layer Development - Methods for making a neutron converter layer are provided. The various embodiment methods enable the formation of a single layer neutron converter material. The single layer neutron converter material formed according to the various embodiments may have a high neutron absorption cross section, tailored resistivity providing a good electric field penetration with submicron particles, and a high secondary electron emission coefficient. In an embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by sequential supercritical fluid metallization of a porous nanostructure aerogel or polyimide film. In another embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by simultaneous supercritical fluid metallization of a porous nanostructure aerogel or polyimide film. In a further embodiment method a neutron converter layer may be formed by in-situ metalized aerogel nanostructure development. | 09-18-2014 |
20140287904 | NEGATIVE DIELECTRIC CONSTANT MATERIAL BASED ON ION CONDUCTING MATERIALS - Metamaterials or artificial negative index materials (NIMs) have generated great attention due to their unique and exotic electromagnetic properties. One exemplary negative dielectric constant material, which is an essential key for creating the NIMs, was developed by doping ions into a polymer, a protonated poly (benzimidazole) (FBI). The doped PBI showed a negative dielectric constant at megahertz (MHz) frequencies due to its reduced plasma frequency and an induction effect. The magnitude of the negative dielectric constant and the resonance frequency were tunable by doping concentration. The highly doped PBI showed larger absolute magnitude of negative dielectric constant at just above its resonance frequency than the less doped PBI. | 09-25-2014 |
20140364529 | SEQUENTIAL/SIMULTANEOUS MULTI-METALIZED NANOCOMPOSITES (S2M2N) - Sequential and simultaneous methods of making a multi-metalized nanocomposite. A method includes providing a porous matrix, dissolving at least a first metal or metalloid precursor and a second metal or metalloid precursor in a supercritical carbon dioxide (CO | 12-11-2014 |
20150069588 | RADIATION HARDENED MICROELECTRONIC CHIP PACKAGING TECHNOLOGY - A novel radiation hardened chip package technology protects microelectronic chips and systems in aviation/space or terrestrial devices against high energy radiation. The proposed technology of a radiation hardened chip package using rare earth elements and mulitlayered structure provides protection against radiation bombardment from alpha and beta particles to neutrons and high energy electromagnetic radiation. | 03-12-2015 |