Raymor Nanotech, a sister division of AP&C and part of Raymor Industries group, has recently introduced a new high tech product line consisting of Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes (C-SWNT).  

Scanning Electron Microscope image of C-SWNT

Carbon nanotubes, when used as reinforcement fibres, can greatly enhance the characteristics and properties of metal, ceramics and polymers. 

Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube materials when combined with Al, Cu, Mg, Ni, Ti, and Sn have clearly demonstrated improved tensile strength, hardness and elastic modulus properties. Aluminum and C-SWNT composites have shown to have improved tensile strength in the order of 129% [1] compared with pure Aluminum.

One of the most recent reviews on Metal/Carbon Nanotube composites is well documented by Bash et Al in their article entitled ‘Carbon Nanotube reinforced metal matrix composites- a review’ [2]. Recent research has demonstrated that Titanium/Carbon Nanotube composite materials produced by powder metallurgy can significantly increase tensile stress, hardness and yield stress [3, 4, 5].

Another scientific study on Titanium/Carbon Nanotube composites has shown increased hardness properties of the metal by as much as 450% combined with improved elastic modulus of 65% [3] when compared to pure Titanium

C-SWNT exceptional properties and applications

Nanotech C-SWNT are 100 times stronger than steel for 1/5th of the weight, conducts heat just as well as diamonds and can support a very large current density (>10⁹ A/cm²).

Macroscopic deposit of C-SWNT

A material with such outstanding properties is ideally suited to countless applications:

• This product can be used for reinforcing polymers, metals, metal alloys and ceramics.

• C-SWNT provides exceptional electrical and thermal conductivity.

• Nanotubes can also be used for electromagnetic shielding applications.

• In addition, this product can provide a unique catalyst support.

• Single-Wall Carbon Nanotubes can also be integrated into sensors in order to detect gas and biological compounds.

• As membrane foam this product provides exceptional filtering properties.

• C-SWNT can also be used as a field emission device and for battery electrodes.

• Single-Wall carbon nanotubes can also promote biocompatibility to human tissue.

Challenges

Scanning Electron Microscopy image of C-SWNT

There are many challenges with regards to developing Metal/Carbon Nanotube composite materials. Such challenges include dispersion and preservation of the Nanotube structure.

C-SWNT could be the key for the future development of advanced metal properties in countless every day applications. Raymor Nanotech is committed to developing the best C-SWNT and within the near future Metal/Carbon Nanotube composite materials.

Raymor Nanotech

Raymor Nanotech’s main production facility is located in Boisbriand, Canada and can now claim to be amongst the largest producers of C-SWNT in the world. Contrary to most processes the Raymor Nanotech plasma torch based technology is continuous. This innovative process is licensed by the National Research Council of Canada and the University of Sherbrooke.

The product is highly graphitized and most importantly is available defect free and without multi-wall carbon nanotubes.

For more information regarding Raymor Nanotech products please do not hesitate to contact: Bruno Beauchamp at [email protected]    

  

References

[1] Deng, C.F.; Zhang, X.; Ma, Y.; Wang, D. (2007). “Fabrication of aluminum matrix composite reinforced with carbon nanotubes”. Rare Metals 26: 450.

[2] Bakshi, S.R.; Lahiri, D.; Agarwal, A. (2010). “Carbon nanotube reinforced metal matrix composites- a review”. International Materials Reviews 55: 41.

[3] Kuzumaki, T.; Ujiie, O.; Ichinose, H.; Ito, K. (2000). “Mechanical Characteristics and Preparation of Carbon Nanotube Fiber-Reinforced Ti Composite “. Advanced Engineering Materials 2: 416.

[4] Wilson, K.; Barrera, E.V.; Bayazitoglu. (2010). “Processing of titanium single-walled carbon nanotube metal-matrix composites by the induction method”. Journal of Composite Materials 44: 1037.

[5] Kondoh, K.; Threrujirapapong, T.; Imai, H.; Umeda, J.; Fugetsu, B. (2009). “Characteristics of powder metallurgy pure titanium matrix composite reinforced with multi-wall carbon nanotubes”. Composites Science and Technologys 69: 1077.

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