Carbon Nanofibers, Testing, and Fabrication

Carbon Nanotubes have great potential of adding strength in composite materials. In order for carbon nanotubes to be used in prepregging, fibers with diameters in the 7-10 micron range are needed. The carbon nanotubes need to be bundled and twisted to form appropriate size fiber tows. Current technology does not allow carbon nanotubes to be spun at a high enough rate to effectively produce enough tows for large scale projects. Sigma-K Corporation recently demonstrated the concept and will develop a high speed spinning system to spin the carbon nanotubes into yarns with tow size diameters. Our system will allow carbon nanotubes to be used in composites that are needed in high strength applications such as armor and air frames.