A Novel Approach to Impregnating Structural Resin into Carbon Nanotube (CNT) Assemblies to Yield Ultrahigh-Loaded Polymer Nanocomposites

The primary objective of this program is the further development of ultrahigh-loaded carbon nanotube (CNT) polymer composites as next-generation structural materials. In Phase II, Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD) and The University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) propose significant advancements in material and process development, testing and characterization, and manufacturing toward a specific, long-term objective; the development of an engineered material that can provide for specialized reduction in weight and improvement in structural efficiency in components and structures, with a long-term goal of replacing traditional fiber reinforced composites. This program will build upon the preliminary demonstrations of Phase I, providing large scale specimens that display mechanical performance that exceeds traditional continuous fiber reinforced polymers and key demonstrations in manufacturing. At the conclusion of the Phase II Base and Option 1 program, we will have prepared ‘large scale’ specimens of dimensions at least as large as 4” x 4” x 1/64”, length by width by thickness. Ultimately, we intend to perform a scaled demonstration of this technology in a commercial component.