| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/T17953/01 |
| Title: |
Alignment-Controlled Processing Of Carbon Nanotubes And Composites |
| Principal Investigator: |
Song, Professor W |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Researcher Co-Investigators: |
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| Project Partners: |
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| Department: |
Sch of Engineering and Design |
| Organisation: |
Brunel University London |
| Scheme: |
First Grant Scheme Pre-FEC |
| Starts: |
16 February 2005 |
Ends: |
15 February 2007 |
Value (£): |
123,670
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
Materials Processing |
| Rheology |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
Chemicals |
| Electronics |
Healthcare |
| Transport Systems and Vehicles |
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| Related Grants: |
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| Panel History: |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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Carbon nanotubes show promise for a wide range of applications due to their unique mechanical, electronic and thermal properties. However, these nanomateriaIs are far from realising their potential because of the lack of available processing techniques. It has been indicated that the control of the alignment of nanotubes is a key to make use of all their unique properties. Therefore, this proposal aims to develop new routes to achieve the required dispersion and hierarchical alignment of carbon nanotubes through the combination of functionalisation routes and practical processing techniques. The first phase of the project is to develop the self-organised dispersions of carbon nanotubes through functionalisation routes using polymers and organic materials. A fundamental understanding of self-organised behaviour of carbon nanotubes will provide a method for tailoring the tubular nanomaterials and novel electro-optical properties of nanotubes in the liquid crystalline phase. Secondly, practical processing techniques will be developed to achieve welt-controlled alignment of carbon nanotubes in bulk products of polymeric composites. One will be a fibre spinning technique of making strong fibres from the self-organised dispersions described above to achieve and thus make it possible to process nanotube fibre reinforced composites Per engineering components or smart textiles. Another will be mini/micro-injection moulding equipped with a shear controlled orientation technology developed In house for manufacturing multifunctional thermoplastic products with nanotube fillers aligned in the direction desired in order to enhance mechanical, electrical/thermal properties in the application of welt-defined electronics, telecommunications and medical devices.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
| Summary |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.brunel.ac.uk |