Boron Carbide Reinforced Carbon Nanotubes

Boston College
posted on 06/11/2009

The invention provides microparticulate carbide reinforced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) comprising boron carbide nanolumps formed on the surface of CNTs. This invention also provides a method of producing microparticulate carbide reinforced CNTs that enable their use as reinforcing composite fillers in producing high strength composite materials.

Suggested Uses

• For use in making high-strength, light-weight composite materials, including mechanical and electrical device components
• Can be used in polymer and metal matrices to increase its strength and in ceramic matrices to increase its toughness

Advantages

• Improves the load transfer from carbon nanotubes to the matrix in the composite of carbon nanotubes as the enhancing fillers in any matrix.
• Nanolumps bond not only to the outermost layer but also to the inner layers of the CNTs and promote the bonding of matrix material to the inner layers of multi-walled CNTs.
• Boron carbides are compounds with superior hardness, excellent mechanical, thermal and electrical properties and therefore make excellent reinforcing material for CNTs.

Innovation Details

File Number: 2002.004/wen

Other Information:

J. Y. Lao, W. Z. Li, J. G. Wen, and Z. F. Ren “Boron Carbide Nanolumps on Carbon Nanotubes”, Appl. Phys. Lett. 80, 500-502 (2002).

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