Composite Materials Reinforced with Carbon Nanotube Yarns

• US 20120085970A1
• Filed: 10/12/2011
• Published: 04/12/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 10/12/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc. (State University System of Florida)
• Original Assignee: Florida State University (State University System of Florida)
• Inventors: Zhang, Mei, Wang, Ben, Liang, Richard, Zhang, Chuck, Zhang, Hang
• Granted Patent: US 9,233,492 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 252/182.32
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 45/0005 using fibre reinforcements
• CPC Class Codes: B29C 70/10 characterised by the structure of fibrous reinforcements , e.g. hollow fibres
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2105/167 Nanotubes
• CPC Class Codes: B29K 2995/0026 Transparent
• CPC Class Codes: B82Y 30/00 Nanotechnology for materials or surface science, e.g. nanocomposites
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 14/002 the non-glass component being in the form of fibres, filaments, yarns, felts or woven material
• CPC Class Codes: C03C 2214/06 Whiskers ss
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 2235/5288 Carbon nanotubes
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 35/00 Shaped ceramic products characterised by their composition porous ceramic products C04B38/00; ceramic articles characterised by particular shape, see the relevant classes, e.g. linings for casting ladles, tundishes, cups or the like B22D41/02; ceramic substrates for microelectronic semi-conductors H01L23/15; Ceramics compositions containing free metal bonded to carbides, diamond, oxides, borides, nitrides, silicides, e.g. cermets, or other metal compounds, e.g. oxynitrides or sulfides other than as macroscopic reinforcing agents C22C; shaping of ceramics B28B; Processing powders of inorganic compounds preparatory to the manufacturing of ceramic products chemical preparation of powders of inorganic compounds C01; infiltration of sintered ceramic preforms with molten metal C04B41/51
• CPC Class Codes: C04B 35/80 Fibres, filaments, whiskers, platelets, or the like
• CPC Class Codes: D02G 3/02 Yarns or threads characterised by the material or by the materials from which they are made
• CPC Class Codes: D02G 3/441 Yarns or threads with antistatic, conductive or radiation-shielding properties electroconductive, anti-static or radiation-shielding filaments D01F1/09, D01F1/106; anti-static fabrics D03D15/533; conducting, insulating or anti-static layers for floor coverings D06N7/0042
• CPC Class Codes: H01B 1/24 the conductive material comprising carbon-silicon compounds, carbon or silicon

Abstract

Composite materials are provided that include one or more CNT yarns embedded in a matrix material. The composite materials may be transparent. Methods for making the composite materials are also provided. The composite materials may be made by arranging at least one CNT yarn into a desired pattern and embedding the at least one CNT yarn into a matrix material.

Claims

1. A composite material comprising:

a matrix material, and

at least one CNT yarn embedded in the matrix material.

2. The composite material of claim 1, wherein the at least one CNT yarn comprises at least a two-fold yarn.

3. The composite material of claim 1, wherein the at least one CNT yarn comprises several yarns bundled together.

4. The composite material of claim 3, wherein the several yarns comprise a rope or cable.

5. The composite material of claim 3, wherein the several yarns are not twisted together.

6. The composite material of claim 1, wherein the at least one CNT yam is a woven or non-woven fabric.

7. The composite material of claim 6, wherein the distances between individual CNT yarns in the woven or non-woven fabric allow visible light to pass through the fabric.

8. The composite material of claim 1, wherein CNTs in the at least one CNT yarn are bonded together by chemical bonds.

9. The composite material of claim 1, wherein the matrix material comprises a polymeric material.

10. The composite material of claim 9, wherein the polymeric material comprises polycarbonate, poly(methylmethacrylate), polyethylene terephthalate, polybutylene terephthalate, poly(vinyl alcohol), epoxy resin, glass, or a combination thereof.

11. The composite material of claim 1, wherein the matrix material comprises a ceramic or metallic material.

12. The composite material of claim 1, wherein the composite material is transparent.

13. The composite material of claim 1, wherein the content of CNT yarn in the composite material is from about 0.1 wt % to about 80 wt %.

14. A method for making a composite material comprising:

arranging at least one CNT yarn into a desired pattern on a surface of a matrix material; and

embedding the at least one CNT yarn into the matrix material.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the embedding comprises applying pressure and heat to the at least one CNT yarn and the matrix material.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the at least one CNT yarn and the matrix material are heated to about the melting point of the matrix material.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one CNT yarn is arranged in a parallel, crossed, or other pattern.

18. A method for making a composite material comprising:

arranging at least one CNT yarn into a desired pattern in a mold;

injecting a matrix material into the mold; and

curing the matrix material.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the matrix material is heated to a temperature above its melting point prior to the injecting step.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least one CNT yarn is arranged in a parallel, crossed, or other pattern.