2018 journal article

A novel approach to align carbon nanotubes via water-assisted shear stretching

COMPOSITES SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, 164, 1–7.

By: Y. Yu n, C. Zhao n, Q. Li*, J. Li* & Y. Zhu n

co-author countries: China 🇨🇳 United States of America 🇺🇸
author keywords: Carbon nanotubes; Mechanical properties; Electrical properties
Source: Web Of Science
Added: October 19, 2018

Floating catalyst chemical vapor deposition (FCCVD) can produce buckypaper, a kind of CNT film, at large-scale with low cost. However, individual CNTs in the buckypaper are mostly randomly oriented, which significantly limits their electrical and mechanical properties. Here we report an innovative approach, water-assisted shear stretching (WASS), which can significantly improve CNT alignments and consequently enhance the electrical and mechanical properties. In addition, we define a unique “alignment factor” to quantify the alignment degree, and to estimate the effect of alignment on the mechanical and electrical properties of CNT assemblies. The high mechanical strength and excellent electrical conductivity of the WASS-processed buckypaper enhance their potential for applications in new electronic technologies and high-strength lightweight aerospace structures.