Ultrastrong, Stiff and Multifunctional Carbon Nanotube Composites

X. Wang, Z. Z. Yong, Q. W. Li, P. D. Bradford, W. Liu, D. S. Tucker, W. Cai, H. Wang, F. G. Yuan, Y. T. Zhu

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

150 Scopus citations

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are an order of magnitude stronger than any other current engineering fiber. However, for the past two decades, it has been a challenge to utilize their reinforcement potential in composites. Here, we report CNT composites with unprecedented multifunctionalities, including record high strength (3.8GPa), high Young's modulus (293GPa), electrical conductivity (1230S·cm −1), and thermal conductivity (41Wm −1K −1). These superior properties are derived from the long length, high volume fraction, good alignment and reduced waviness of the CNTs, which were produced by a novel-processing approach that can be easily scaled up for industrial production.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)19-25
Number of pages7
JournalMaterials Research Letters
Volume1
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Alignment
  • Carbon Nanotubes
  • Composite Materials
  • Multifunctional
  • Tensile Strength

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