Methods for processing multifunctional, radiation tolerant nanotube-polymer structure composites

Abstract

Embodiments provide a composite material with oriented nanotubes and a method for making the composite material. The composite material can be formed by distributing a plurality of nanotubes in a polymer matrix. The nanotubes can be further magnetically oriented during the formation of the polymeric matrix, while the polymer matrix is magnetically annealed. The composite material can provide enhanced mechanical and electrical properties, and effective radiation resistance against high-energy ionizing radiation particles and / or electromagnetic interferences. The composite material can be useful for lightweight armors incorporated into vehicles, aircrafts or personnel protection with high ballistic properties, and efficient dissipation of radiation energies, photovoltaic cells with improved polymer solar cell efficiency, improved light emitting diodes (LEDs) with controllable optical properties, or infrared screening devices with increased extinction coefficient.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Applications Ser. No. 60 / 711,678, filed Aug. 29, 2005, and Ser. No. 60 / 726,652, filed Oct. 17, 2005, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates generally to composite materials and, more particularly, to composite materials with magnetically oriented nanotubes in a polymer matrix. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS [0003] Organic materials such as polymers offer an attractive route for a wide variety of applications, such as armor devices, photovoltaic devices, light emitting diodes (LEDs), or infrared screening devices, due to their advantages of lightweight (i.e. mass-effective), low cost, ease of fabrication, and flexibility. For example, polymers used as protective armor materials against low-level of threats (e.g., NIJ level III or lower) offer the distinctive advantage of lower density over materials such as metals or cerami...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0007] According to various embodiments, the present teachings include a composite material with magnetically oriented nanotubes. To form the composite material, a plurality of nanotubes are distributed in one of a resin and a hardener to form

Problems solved by technology

However, because of their relatively low strength and hardness, polymers are commonly reinforced with either organic or ceramic fibers / whiskers, and are used in conjunction with harder metals and ceramics when they are used in protective systems against higher level of threats, such as NIJ Level IV or higher.

In another example, polymers may be used as infrared screening films since conventional armor materials such as metal alloy brass are highly toxic.

However, problems arise due to the low electrical conductivity for most polymers.

Limitations arise, however, because utilizing the unique properties of carbon nanotubes depends on the spatial control and dispersion of individual nanotubes in the polymer matrix, and on the interaction between the polymer and the nanotubes, such as, the ability to transfer load from the matrix to the nanotubes.

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