CARBON NANOTUBE COMPOSITES AND METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR FABRICATING SAME

摘要

In a method for fabricating a carbon nanotube (CNT) composite, an array of CNTs is provided. A CNT ribbon is pulled from the array and wound on a rotating mandrel. A polymer solution is applied to the ribbon to form a CNT composite laminate. The CNTs in the ribbon may be substantially aligned in a single direction. The ribbon may be attached to the mandrel such that the ribbon may be wound on the mandrel as the mandrel rotates. A CNT composite is provided that may include a polymer integrated with long, substantially straight CNTs that are highly aligned in a single direction. An apparatus for fabricating a CNT composite is provided that may include a rotatable mandrel and a spray gun. The spray gun may be configured for spraying a polymer solution on the CNT ribbon as the CNT ribbon is taken up on the rotating mandrel.