Conductive Multifunctional Polymer-Nanotube Hybrids

"This SBIR Phase I research program will develop a processing scheme for producing polymer-nanotube hybrids with significant electrical and thermal conductivity for multifunctional applications. Using carbon nanotubes to impart transport properties toorganic polymers requires the nanotubes to form a conductive network in the polymer matrix. To obtain high electrical and thermal conductivity, the Phase I research will focus on achieving uniform dispersion of the choice carbon nanotubes, maintainingtheir large aspect ratio during processing, and enhancing inter-tube charge transport properties. The processing scheme will be applicable to a wide range of polymers, including thermoplstic, thermosetting, and high-temperature aromatic heterocyclicpolymers. The resulting conductive polymer-nanotube hybrid material will have applications in shielding, thermal management, electrostatic discharge, corrosion protection, and electro-optical devices such as photovoltaics. The polymer-nanotube hybrids canbe tailored with a wide range of thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties for multifunctional applications in coatings, caulks, sealant, adhesives, fibers, films, sheets, tubes, and large structural components. Potential commercial applications forthe conductive nanocomposite material include shielding, charge dissipation, electrostatic painting, corrosion prevention, thermal management, mechanical reinforcement, and electro-optical devi