Carbon NanotubeMetal Composites

1
Carbon Nanotube/Metal Composites

• Jason Watkins
• School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering
• University of Oklahoma
• Aspects of Nanotechnology
• December 12, 2006

2
Introduction

• Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have properties that are
  desirable for many applications.
• Composites allow for blending of materials, and
  the materials properties.
• Metals are good prospects for the matrix of this
  type of composite because of their inherent
  material properties.

3
Concepts

• Chirality
• Refers to the twisting
• of the molecular pattern around the cylinder.
• Affects the properties of the CNTs.
• Must use CNTs with consistent chirality to take
  full advantage of their properties.
• Ballistic Conduction
• Mean free path

4
CNT Properties

• Youngs modulus of approximately 1 TPa and
  breaking strength of 30 GPa.
• Able to return to original shape after
  deformation.
• Tubular structure minimizes effects of defects.
• Conduction independent of tube length.

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CNT Composites Properties

• Capable of increasing polymers electrical
  conductivity by 8 times.
• Increase polymers tensile strength by 50 and 40
  stiffness with just 1 wt- CNTs.
• Interfacial shear of CNT/ polystyrene composite
  of about 160 MPa.
• CNT/Cu composites have shown to have an
  electrical resistance half that of Cu.

6
Applications

• Power transmission cable.
• Boiler walls.
• Any other numerous applications that require high
  strength, light weight, high conductivity.

7
Complications

• CNTs tend to bundle together due to the surface
  tension of the surrounding fluid.
• Excessive agitation can damage the CNTs.
• Good CNT/matrix interface contact is essential.
• Obtaining large sample of like CNTs.
• CNTs cost approximately 500/gram.

8
Processing Techniques

• Sintering
• Hot-press/hot-extrusion
• Powder rolling
• Many others to follow

9
Future Work

• Comprehensive studies to show how processing
  techniques, as well as processing variables,
  effect composite properties.