Ultra-High-Performance Carbon Nanotube-Based Fibers

Development of carbon nanotube-based composites offers a promising pathway toward the realization of novel materials for a broad range of military/civilian applications. This SBIR project is focused upon developing multifunctional, ultra-high-performancefibers containing carbon nanotubes (CNT's) that will meet Army requirements in applications requiring fibers that are superior to those based on conventional carbon, polymer, ceramic, and composite technology. The goal is to produce the next generation offiber technology-paving the way for major improvements in existing fiber-based applications and allowing for new technologies to be tested and implemented. The specific Phase I goal is to establish the feasibility of developing two types of fiberscontaining CNT's that demonstrate favorable adhesion and orientation within the fiber matrix. ReyTech Corporation proposes to prepare and evaluate composite fibers based on a combination of CNT's and high-performance, robust polymers based on proprietarytechniques developed during previous work at ReyTech. Successful demonstration of feasibility will set the stage for initial prototype development under the Phase I Option and for a follow-on, full-scale Phase II prototype development and demonstrationproject. Success in this multi-phase project will result in a broad range of important military and civilian applications, including the following: high-strength and lightweight composites for armor; structural, electronic, and thermo-mechanicalcomponents; protective clothing for chemical and biological warfare; chemical and electromagnetic sensors; electromagnetic shields; and advanced device applications. It is likely that fibers containing carbon nanotubes can be formed to serve multiple,concurrent functions-e.g., as a lightweight structural member that also shields against electromagnetic interference (EMI) or that senses strain, radiation, or chemical agents.