Design and Improved Synthesis of Carbon Nanotube Materials

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have a promise as building blocks for future materials and devices. This STTR Phase I project will focus on the (University-based) theoretical modeling and assessment of mechanical properties, transfer of this knowledge to NanoTechnologies of Texas, Inc. (NTT) which in turn will concentrate its effort on nanotube synthesis, characterization and improvements of the growth conditions. NTT will base the effort on modified catalytic carbon-arc technique as its further improvement currently presents the most promising method for large-volume production. This collaboration will establish correlation between mechanical properties of CNT and their structure. Interaction between the theory and synthesis will also allow to identify further issues to be addressed in Phase II of this STTR effort. The result of Phase I will be design of best-performing CNT. The feasibility proof should lead to general recommendations: (i) types of CNT expected to have better mechanical performance in composites, and (ii) what conditions of the growth are likely to preferentially produce these particular types. Further, composites will be prepared and undergo mechanical testing in order to obtain direct information on CNT-matrix and the individual CNT strength.