2010: Structure and Process Dependent Properties of Solid-State Spun Carbon Nanotube Yarns

Introduction We have previously reported downsizing ancient twistbased spinning technology for making continuous, densified nanotube yarns from multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) forests [1]. Such nanotube yarns provide unique properties and property combinations. Despite this important progress, the relationship between nanotube yarn properties and component carbon nanotube properties is not fully understood and processing alternatives to twist-based spinning require further exploration. The goal of this study is to obtain fundamental understanding of the origin of differences in the properties of individual nanotubes and solid-state spun nanotube yarns and to use this understanding to improve yarn properties. To achieve this ultimate goal, we have related single nanotube properties to that of nanotube yarn, investigated the effects of nanotube length and yarn processing variables on targeted properties, and investigated the properties of carbon nanotube/polymer composites.