Improved yarns and composites from CVD-grown CNT forests

Vertically grown carbon nanotubes were used to produce carbon nanotube yarns using various denitrification techniques including twist and solvent. The morphological and mechanical properties of such yarns were studied in detail. In addition, different types of polymer including polyethylene, polypropylene and nylon 6,6 were used to infuse into such yarns at elevated temperatures. Such polymer-infused CNT yarns were then characterised using a variety of methods including SEM, TEM, TGA, DSC and tensile testing. The results were analysed in detail and showed significant improvements in the tensile loading of the CNT yarns. This is an important step in the eventual realisation of commercially available CNT yarns.