Polymeric Composites Having Oriented Nanomaterials and Methods of Making the Same

摘要

The present invention relates to the development and fabrication of thin-film polymer nanocomposites containing vertically aligned nanomaterials, such as single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). In certain embodiments, the present invention utilizes liquid crystal mesophases of hexagonally packed cylindrical micelles that orient with their long axes parallel to an applied magnetic field, thereby directing the alignment of the nanomaterials, such as SWNTs, sequestered in the micellar cores. In certain embodiments, the mesophase may be a stable, single-phase material containing monomers that can be polymerized after nanotube alignment to form the nanocomposite polymer.

主权项

1. A nanocomposite, comprising:
at least one nanomaterial; at least one amphiphilic compound; at least one monomer; and at least one initiator; wherein the at least one nanomaterial and amphiphilic compound are at least partially aligned via exposure to a magnetic field; and wherein the at least one monomer is polymerized after the at least one nanomaterial and surfactant are at least partially aligned.