Methods for arranging nanoscopic elements within networks, fabrics, and films
First Claim
1. A method for arranging nanotube elements within a nanotube fabric, comprising:
- providing a plurality of nanotube elements over a material layer, to obtain a substantially dry fully formed, fixed nanotube fabric comprising a plurality of nanotube elements in a first operation, wherein said nanotube fabric is substantially free of any suspension medium; and
translating a directional force across at least a portion of said substantially dry fully formed, fixed nanotube fabric in a second operation to arrange at least a portion of said nanotube elements within said nanotube fabric into an ordered network;
wherein said second operation is performed subsequent to said first operation.
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Abstract
A method for arranging nanotube elements within nanotube fabric layers and films is disclosed. A directional force is applied over a nanotube fabric layer to render the fabric layer into an ordered network of nanotube elements. That is, a network of nanotube elements drawn together along their sidewalls and substantially oriented in a uniform direction. In some embodiments this directional force is applied by rolling a cylindrical element over the fabric layer. In other embodiments this directional force is applied by passing a rubbing material over the surface of a nanotube fabric layer. In other embodiments this directional force is applied by running a polishing material over the nanotube fabric layer for a predetermined time. Exemplary rolling, rubbing, and polishing apparatuses are also disclosed.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. A method for arranging nanotube elements within a nanotube fabric, comprising:
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providing a plurality of nanotube elements over a material layer, to obtain a substantially dry fully formed, fixed nanotube fabric comprising a plurality of nanotube elements in a first operation, wherein said nanotube fabric is substantially free of any suspension medium; and translating a directional force across at least a portion of said substantially dry fully formed, fixed nanotube fabric in a second operation to arrange at least a portion of said nanotube elements within said nanotube fabric into an ordered network; wherein said second operation is performed subsequent to said first operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification