Methods for processing multifunctional, radiation tolerant nanotube-polymer structure composites

Abstract

Embodiments provide a composite material with oriented nanotubes and a method for making the composite material. The composite material can be formed by distributing a plurality of nanotubes in a polymer matrix. The nanotubes can be further magnetically oriented during the formation of the polymeric matrix, while the polymer matrix is magnetically annealed. The composite material can provide enhanced mechanical and electrical properties, and effective radiation resistance against high-energy ionizing radiation particles and/or electromagnetic interferences. The composite material can be useful for lightweight armors incorporated into vehicles, aircrafts or personnel protection with high ballistic properties, and efficient dissipation of radiation energies, photovoltaic cells with improved polymer solar cell efficiency, improved light emitting diodes (LEDs) with controllable optical properties, or infrared screening devices with increased extinction coefficient.

1 . A composite material formed by the steps comprising: 
 providing a plurality of nanotubes;    distributing the plurality of nanotubes in one of a resin and a hardener to form a first mixture;    forming a second mixture by combining the other of the resin and the hardener with the first mixture;    degassing the second mixture; and    curing the second mixture under a magnetic field of about 15 Tesla or more to orient the plurality of nanotubes.    
     
     
         2 . The composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes comprise nanofibers.  
     
     
         3 . The composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes comprise carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon nanotubes comprise one of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNs) or multi-wall carbon nanotubes.  
     
     
         4 . The composite material of  claim 3 , wherein the SWCNs comprise armchair type nanotubes having a chirality where n=m.  
     
     
         5 . The composite material of  claim 1 , wherein a weight percentage of the plurality of is 35% or less of the composite material.  
     
     
         6 . The composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the resin and the hardener form an epoxy with low viscosity at room temperature.  
     
     
         7 . The composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes are oriented anisotropically.  
     
     
         8 . A ballistic resistant material comprising the composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes are aligned co-axially to a line of impact.  
     
     
         9 . A ballistic resistant material comprising the composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes are aligned orthogonally to a line of fire or a line of impact.  
     
     
         10 . A ballistic resistant material comprising the composite material of  claim 1  further comprising at least one of boron carbide and silicon carbide.  
     
     
         11 . The composite material of  claim 1  further comprising at least one form of a film, sheet, fiber, cylinder, foam, coating or paste.  
     
     
         12 . A method for making a composite material comprising: 
 providing a plurality of carbon nanotubes;    distributing the plurality of carbon nanotubes in a hardener;    forming a mixture by combining a resin with the hardener and the plurality of carbon nanotubes;    degassing the mixture; and    curing the mixture under a magnetic field of about 15 Tesla or more to align the plurality of nanotubes.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising: 
 adding a first solvent to the plurality of carbon nanotubes, wherein the first solvent comprises an ethanol;    adding a second solvent to the resin, wherein the second solvent comprises an ethanol; and    combining the first solvent and the plurality of carbon nanotubes with the second solvent and the resin.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein providing the plurality of carbon nanotubes comprises purifying the carbon nanotubes.  
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising providing a solvent for steps of providing carbon nanotubes and distributing the carbon nanotubes in the hardener, wherein the solvent comprises an ethanol.  
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising placing the carbon nanotubes distributed hardener in a vacuum at about 60° C. or more for at least one hour.  
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 12  further comprising stirring the mixture at about 2000 rpm or more for at least 5 minutes prior to the step of curing.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein curing the mixture comprises: 
 curing the mixture at room temperature for at least two hours under the magnetic field;    curing the mixture at about 60° C. or more for at least two hours under the magnetic field; and    curing the mixture at about 60° C. or more for at least two hours under no magnetic field.    
     
     
         19 . A composite material comprising: 
 a polymer matrix, wherein the polymer comprises at least one of a thermosetting polymer and a thermoplastic polymer; and    a plurality of nanotubes distributed in the polymer matrix, wherein the plurality of nanotubes are magnetically aligned during formation of the polymeric matrix.    
     
     
         20 . A ballistic resistant material comprising the composite material of  claim 19 , wherein the plurality of nanotubes are aligned co-axially to a line of impact.