New Cheaper Nano-method Offers Big Possibilities

Their research is the first example of using high temperature thermosetting resins as a carbon source for the formation of carbon nanotubes - tubular structures on the scale of billionths of meters - nanometers.

The NRL research team consists of Drs. Teddy Keller, Matthew Laskoski, and Jeff Long from the Chemistry Division and Dr. Syed Qadri from the Materials Science and Technology Division.

They said today that the potential range of applications for this potentially inexpensive route to carbon nanotube production is "huge," mentioning structure, energy, sensors, batteries, electronic displays, separation and filtration, and nanoelectronic devices.

Carbon nanotubes (Image courtesy MIT)

They and other scientists are evaluating the carbon nanotubes for possible use in numerous nanotechnology, aerospace, marine, optics and electronics applications.

Carbon nanotubes are allotropes of carbon, a characteristic they share with diamonds, one of the best known allotropes of carbon.

The NRL researchers described the patented process during which the carbon nanotubes are formed by saying they, "evolve from metal and carbon nanoparticles that form within the carbonaceous solid during the carbonization process above 500 degrees Celsius."

Any commercially available resins, including phthalonitriles resins, polyimides, epoxy resins, phenolics, and petroleum pitches that have good thermal properties and show superior structural integrity are attractive sources of carbon for carbon nanotube formation by the novel method, the NRL scientists said.

The research is funded by NRL base funds provided by the Office of Naval Research, the U.S. Navy division that carries out science and technology programs through schools, universities, government laboratories, nonprofits and also for-profit organizations.

NRL provides technical advice to the chief of naval operations and the secretary of the Navy and works with industry to improve technology manufacturing processes.

See a 3-D animated carbon nanotube online here.

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