MULTIFUNCTIONAL CNT-ENGINEERED STRUCTURES

摘要

Various applications for structured CNT-engineered materials are disclosed herein. In one application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of providing its own structural feedback. In another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of generating heat. In yet another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of functioning as an antenna, for example, for receiving, transmitting, absorbing and/or dissipating a signal. In still another application, systems are disclosed, wherein a structured CNT-engineered material forms at least part of an object capable of serving as a conduit for thermal or electrical energy.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an object having a portion formed from a carbon nanotube (CNT) engineered composite material having a CNT network formed of a first plurality of CNTs dispersed within a matrix material to conduct electricity to maintain or change a temperature of the portion of the object in a predetermined temperature pattern, wherein the first plurality of CNTs in the matrix material are uniformly distributed therein to form a contiguous network of CNTs; a first electrical contact coupled to a first portion of the CNT network; a second electrical contact coupled to a second portion of the CNT network; and wherein the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact are couplable to a control system configured or programmed to drive the CNT network with electrical energy to generate heat across the CNT network in the pre-determined temperature pattern.