NASA's Langley Research Center has developed an extensive technology portfolio on novel methods for effective dispersion of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymers. The technology portfolio extends from making stable dispersions of CNTs in polymer resins to processes for making composite CNT/polymer films and articles. The technologies apply to a range of polymer types, enable low or high CNT loadings as needed, and can be used with a variety of standard polymer processing methods, including melt processing. Currently, the technology is being used commercially for electrically conductive polymer films for components in electronic printers and copiers.

The technology portfolio includes several methods for dispersion and processing of CNTs in polymer resins and composites. CNT/resin systems with high dispersion and long-term stability are provided by three general approaches. One method relies on mechanical dispersion by sonication simultaneous with partial polymerization to increase the resin viscosity to maintain dispersion and enable further polymer processing of the CNT blend into films and other articles. Another approach relies on what is termed donor acceptor bonding, which essentially is a dipole bond created on the CNT/resin interface to maintain dispersion and stability of the CNT/resin blend. This dispersion method also provides advantages in mechanical properties of processed composites due to the interface characteristics. A range of polymer types can be used, including polymethyl methacrylate, polyimide, polyethylene, and others.

An additional dry blending approach provides advantages for a variety of thermoplastic and thermoset systems. Use of ball mill mixing achieves effective blending and dispersion of the CNT, even at high loadings. Further processing steps using injection molding or similar melt processing methods have yielded CNT/polymer composites with a range of useful electronic, optical, and mechanical properties.

Potential applications include conductive plastics; displays; solar cells; conductive inks; static control materials including films, foams, fibers, and fabrics; polymer coatings and adhesives; high-performance polymer composites and prepregs for exceptional mechanical strength and toughness; polymer/CNT composite fibers; and lightweight and antistatic materials for use in space structures.

NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize this technology. Please contact The Technology Gateway at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to initiate licensing discussions. Follow this link for more information: here .