Embed CNTs in Steel Wires for MMC Arresting Gear Purchase Cable

Creare proposes to develop a highly scalable roll-to-roll process to embed carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in steel wires for the Navy’s Arresting Gear Purchase Cable. Our process is a minor modification of the method already used by wire manufacturers and will be a drop-in replacement for the lang lay wire rope assembly. This embedded CNT wire will be tested for improvements in strength, fatigue and bending. During Phase I, we will demonstrate key features of the process and our STTR partner will investigate the material properties of the CNT in the wire. We will mechanically test wires with and without CNTs to show improvement and tune our roll-to-roll process. In Phase I Option, we will design and begin the transition to a roll-to-roll process. In Phase II, we plan on building and testing the roll-to-roll process for all three wires of the Purchase Cable assembly.