Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080280115 | METHOD FOR FABRICATING MACROSCALE FILMS COMPRISING MULTIPLE-WALLED NANOTUBES - A technique is provided for the fabrication of multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) and carbon nanofiber (CNF) film materials. The method includes mixing a relatively small amount of single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) with larger amounts of MWNTs and CNFs, which enables one to produce highly flexible SWNT materials—advantageously without the need for bonding agents and at significantly lower costs compared to flexible SWNT materials. The method exploits SWNTs tendency to entangle together to form flexible films, using a small amount of SWNTs to wrap around and entangle the larger diameter MWNTs and CNFs together to form flexible films with highly beneficial mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties at a fraction of the cost of SWNT materials. | 11-13-2008 |
20090148637 | FABRICATION OF FIRE RETARDANT MATERIALS WITH NANOADDITIVES - Apparatuses with improved flammability properties and methods for altering the flammability properties of the apparatuses are provided. In certain embodiments, the apparatus comprises an occupant structure having an exterior portion and an interior portion defining an occupant space. The interior portion is formed, at least in part, of a composite material and a first nanoadditive fixed on a surface of the composite material proximate the occupant space. In one embodiment, the nanoadditive may comprise a continuous network of nanoscale fibers. | 06-11-2009 |
20090280324 | Prepreg Nanoscale Fiber Films and Methods - A method is provided for producing a prepreg nanoscale fiber film. The method includes providing a network of nanoscale fibers, impregnating the network of nanoscale fibers with a resin, and B-stage curing the resin. A method is also provided for producing a composite structure from the prepreg nanoscale fiber film. | 11-12-2009 |
20090281276 | Method for Functionalization of Nanoscale Fibers and Nanoscale Fiber Films - A method is provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers including reacting a plurality of nanoscale fibers with at least one epoxide monomer to chemically bond the at least one epoxide monomer to surfaces of the nanoscale fibers to form functionalized nanoscale fibers. Functionalized nanoscale fibers and nanoscale fiber films are also provided. | 11-12-2009 |
20090309172 | SENSOR AND A METHOD OF MAKING A SENSOR - A sensor is provided, which includes a plurality of conducting elements spaced apart from each other and at least one deformable electrolyte bridge contacting each of the conducting elements at one or more contact points having an aggregate contact area. Upon formation of an ionic circuit between two of the conducting elements, a first resistivity between the two conducting element exists. Upon application of a compressive force on the at least one deformable electrolyte bridge directed toward at least one of the conducting elements, the aggregate contact area increases such that a second resistivity between the two conducting elements exists. | 12-17-2009 |
20100021682 | COMPOSITE MATERIAL AND METHOD FOR INCREASING Z-AXIS THERMAL CONDUCTIVITY OF COMPOSITE SHEET MATERIAL - Methods are provided for making a composite material that includes (a) providing at least one sheet which includes woven or non-woven glass fibers, carbon fibers, aramid fibers, or nanoscale fibers; and (b) stitching a plurality of stitches of a thermally conductive fiber through the at least one sheet in a Z-axis direction to form paths of higher conductivity through the sheet of material to increase its thermal conductivity in the Z-axis. | 01-28-2010 |
20100028639 | Method for Functionalization of Nanoscale Fiber Films - Methods are provided for functionalizing a macroscopic film comprised of nanoscale fibers by controlled irradiation. The methods may include the steps of (a) providing a nanoscale fiber film material comprising a plurality of nanoscale fibers (which may include single wall nanotubes, multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or a combination thereof); and (b) irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material with a controlled amount of radiation in the open air or in a controlled atmosphere. The step of irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material is effective to functionalize the plurality of nanoscale fibers. Irradiated nanoscale fiber films are also provided having improved mechanical and electrical conducting properties. | 02-04-2010 |
20100080975 | Actuator Device Including Nanoscale Fiber Films - A method for making an actuator capable of dry actuation is provided. The method includes providing a first nanoscale fiber film, providing a second nanoscale fiber film, positioning a solid polymer electrolyte at least partially between and adjacent to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film, and then affixing the solid polymer electrolyte to the first nanoscale fiber film and the second nanoscale fiber film. The nanoscale fiber films may be buckypapers, made of carbon nanotubes. The actuator is capable of dry actuation. | 04-01-2010 |
20100143822 | CARBON NANOTUBE AND NONOFIBER FILM-BASED MEMBRANE ELECTRODE ASSEMBLIES - A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer and a method of making the same. The catalyst layer can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on buckypaper. The catalyst layer can have 1% or less binder prior to attachment to the membrane electrode assembly. The catalyst layer can include (a) single-wall nanotubes, small diameter multi-wall nanotubes, or both, and (b) large diameter multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or both. The ratio of (a) to (b) can range from 1:2 to 1:20. The catalyst layer can produce a surface area utilization efficiency of at least 60% and the platinum utilization efficiency can be 0.50 g | 06-10-2010 |
20100181477 | Systems, Methods, and Apparatus for Structural Health Monitoring - Embodiments can provide systems, methods, and apparatus for monitoring the structural health of one or more structures and associated materials. For example, a structural health monitoring system can be provided. The system can include a structure to be monitored, the structure including a material with multiple triboluminescent sensors and multiple nano-optoelectronic members; and an analyzer in signal communication with the nano-optoelectronic members. | 07-22-2010 |
20100188833 | ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELDING STRUCTURE INCLUDING CARBON NANOTUBE OR NANOFIBER FILMS AND METHODS - A composite material for electromagnetic interference shielding is provided. The composite material comprises a stack including at least two electrically conductive nanoscale fiber films, which are spaced apart from one another by at least one insulating gap positioned between the at least two nanoscale fiber films. The stack is effective to provide a substantial multiple internal reflection effect. An electromagnetic interference shielded apparatus and a method for shielding an electrical circuit from electromagnetic interference is provided | 07-29-2010 |
20100227155 | NANOSCALE FIBER FILMS, COMPOSITES, AND METHODS FOR ALIGNMENT OF NANOSCALE FIBERS BY MECHANICAL STRETCHING - Methods for aligning nanoscale fibers are provided. One method comprises providing a network of nanoscale fibers and mechanically stretching the network of nanoscale fibers in a first direction. The network of nanoscale fibers is substantially devoid of a liquid. A network of aligned nanoscale fibers and a composite comprising a network of aligned nanoscale fibers are also provided. | 09-09-2010 |
20110008705 | CATALYTIC ELECTRODE WITH GRADIENT POROSITY AND CATALYST DENSITY FOR FUEL CELLS - A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a gradient catalyst structure and a method of making the same. The gradient catalyst structure can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on layered buckypaper. The layered buckypaper can include at least a first layer and a second layer and the first layer can have a lower porosity compared to the second layer. The gradient catalyst structure can include single-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or both in the first layer of the layered buckypaper and can include carbon nanofibers in the second layer of the layered buckypaper. The MEA can have a catalyst utilization efficiency of at least 0.35 g | 01-13-2011 |
20110045274 | FUNCTIONALIZED NANOSCALE FIBER FILMS, COMPOSITES, AND METHODS FOR FUNCTIONALIZATION OF NANOSCALE FIBER FILMS - Methods are provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers and for making composite structures from these functionalized nanomaterials. The method includes contacting a network of nanoscale fibers with an oxidant to graft at least one epoxide group to at least a portion of the network of nanoscale fibers. A network of functionalized nanoscale fibers or buckypapers may include carbon nanotubes having a mean length of at least 1 mm and having an epoxide group grafted onto the nanotubes. | 02-24-2011 |
20110111279 | BINDER-FREE NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIAL AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURE - This disclosure provides improved composite materials and methods for making the composite materials. Specifically, binder-free composite materials have been developed that have a network of CNTs in which one or more types of particles or fibers is embedded. The composite materials may be made by filtering suspensions containing carbon nanotubes, particles or fibers of interest, or both carbon nanotubes and particles or fibers of interest. The particles may be silicon particles, activated carbon particles, particles of a lithium compound, any other particles, or a combination thereof. The composite materials have a large number of applications, including electrical devices. | 05-12-2011 |
20110123790 | Method for Functionalization of Nanoscale Fiber Films - Methods are provided for functionalizing a macroscopic film comprised of nanoscale fibers by controlled irradiation. The methods may include the steps of (a) providing a nanoscale fiber film material comprising a plurality of nanoscale fibers (which may include single wall nanotubes, multi-wall nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, or a combination thereof); and (b) irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material with a controlled amount of radiation in the open air or in a controlled atmosphere. The step of irradiating the nanoscale fiber film material is effective to functionalize the plurality of nanoscale fibers. Irradiated nanoscale fiber films are also provided having improved mechanical and electrical conducting properties. | 05-26-2011 |
20110253330 | FIRE AND SMOKE RETARDANT COMPOSITE MATERIALS - Flame retardant composite materials are provided which include at least one first paper which comprises carbon nanofibers and graphite oxide particles. The composite materials may further include at least one second paper which comprises carbon nanofibers. The composites may further include one or more structural material layers sandwiched between the first and second papers. Occupant structures are also provided with fire and smoke retardant surfaces composed of carbon nanofibers/graphite oxide particles papers at least partially surrounding occupants of the occupant structures. | 10-20-2011 |
20110262729 | FUNCTIONALIZATION OF NANOSCALE FIBERS AND FUNCTIONALIZED NANOSCALE FIBER FILMS - This disclosure provides articles that include functionalized nanoscale fibers and methods for functionalizing nanoscale fibers. The functionalized nanoscale fibers may be made by oxidizing a network of nanoscale fibers, grafting one or more molecules or polymers to the oxidized nanoscale fibers, and cross-linking at least a portion of the molecules or polymers grafted to the oxidized nanoscale fibers. The functionalized nanoscale fibers may be used to make articles. | 10-27-2011 |
20120009381 | CARBON NANOTUBE HONEYCOMB AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USE THEREOF - Materials that have a honeycomb structure are provided that are formed, at least in part, from carbon nanotube sheets. Methods are also provided for making these materials, including the expansion method, in which an adhesive is applied to carbon nanotube sheets, which are then stacked and expanded to form the honeycomb structure, or a corrugated method, in which an adhesive is applied to corrugated sheets, which are then stacked to form the honeycomb structure. | 01-12-2012 |
20120035343 | Method for Functionalization of Nanoscale Fibers and Nanoscale Fiber Films - A method is provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers including reacting a plurality of nanoscale fibers with at least one epoxide monomer to chemically bond the at least one epoxide monomer to surfaces of the nanoscale fibers to form functionalized nanoscale fibers. Functionalized nanoscale fibers and nanoscale fiber films are also provided. | 02-09-2012 |
20120085970 | Composite Materials Reinforced with Carbon Nanotube Yarns - Composite materials are provided that include one or more CNT yarns embedded in a matrix material. The composite materials may be transparent. Methods for making the composite materials are also provided. The composite materials may be made by arranging at least one CNT yarn into a desired pattern and embedding the at least one CNT yarn into a matrix material. | 04-12-2012 |
20120123061 | Composite Materials and Method for Making High-Performance Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Polymer Composites - Nanocomposite materials and methods of making composite materials reinforced with carbon nanotubes are disclosed. The composite material includes an array of functionalized and aligned carbon nanotubes having a degree of functionalization of about 1% to about 10%; and a polymeric matrix material bonded to the array of functionalized and aligned carbon nanotubes. | 05-17-2012 |
20120301812 | Carbon nanotube and nanofiber film-based membrane electrode assemblies - A membrane electrode assembly (MEA) for a fuel cell comprising a catalyst layer and a method of making the same. The catalyst layer can include a plurality of catalyst nanoparticles, e.g., platinum, disposed on buckypaper. The method can include the steps of placing buckypaper in a vessel with a catalyst-precursor salt and a fluid. The temperature and pressure conditions within the vessel are modified so as to place the fluid in the supercritical state. The supercritical state of the supercritical fluid containing the precursor salt is maintained for period of time to impregnate the buckypaper with the catalyst-precursor salt. Catalyst nanoparticles are deposited on the buckypaper. The supercritical fluid and the precursor are removed to form a metal catalyst impregnated buckypaper. | 11-29-2012 |
20130118796 | ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELDING STRUCTURE INCLUDING CARBON NANOTUBE OR NANOFIBER FILMS - A composite material for electromagnetic interference shielding is provided. The composite material comprises a stack including at least two electrically conductive nanoscale fiber films, which are spaced apart from one another by at least one insulating gap positioned between the at least two nanoscale fiber films. The stack is effective to provide a substantial multiple internal reflection effect. An electromagnetic interference shielded apparatus and a method for shielding an electrical circuit from electromagnetic interference is provided | 05-16-2013 |
20130172491 | Method for Functionalization of Nanoscale Fibers and Nanoscale Fiber Films - A method is provided for functionalizing nanoscale fibers including reacting a plurality of nanoscale fibers with at least one epoxide monomer to chemically bond the at least one epoxide monomer to surfaces of the nanoscale fibers to form functionalized nanoscale fibers. Functionalized nanoscale fibers and nanoscale fiber films are also provided. | 07-04-2013 |
20130334476 | Fire Retardant Materials and Methods - Fire retardant materials are provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material. | 12-19-2013 |
20130341081 | ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELDING STRUCTURE INCLUDING CARBON NANOTUBE OR NANOFIBER FILMS - A composite material for electromagnetic interference shielding is provided. The composite material comprises a stack including at least two electrically conductive nanoscale fiber films, which are spaced apart from one another by at least one insulating gap positioned between the at least two nanoscale fiber films. The stack is effective to provide a substantial multiple internal reflection effect. An electromagnetic interference shielded apparatus and a method for shielding an electrical circuit from electromagnetic interference is provided | 12-26-2013 |
20140041819 | FIRE AND SMOKE RETARDANT COMPOSITE MATERIALS - Flame retardant composite materials are provided which include at least one first paper which comprises carbon nanofibers and graphite oxide particles. The composite materials may further include at least one second paper which comprises carbon nanofibers. The composites may further include one or more structural material layers sandwiched between the first and second papers. Occupant structures are also provided with fire and smoke retardant surfaces composed of carbon nanofibers/graphite oxide particles papers at least partially surrounding occupants of the occupant structures. | 02-13-2014 |
20140096886 | Fire Retardant Materials and Methods - Fire retardant materials are provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material. | 04-10-2014 |