The group also envisions coiled nanotubes in soldiers' body armor, car bumpers and bushings and even as cushioning elements in shoe soles.
"The problem we have faced in the past is producing enough of these coiled carbon nanotubes at a reasonable cost to make a difference," said Rao. "Because our current method produces coiled nanotubes quickly in high yield, it can be readily scaled up to industrial levels. After formation, the coiled nanotubes can be peeled off in one piece and placed on other surfaces to form instant cushioning coatings."
In previous work, Rao's group developed a process that coaxes a traditionally straight carbon nanotube to split into a "Y" shape. When powered by electrical voltages, the Y-branched nanotubes behave like tiny switches or transistors that process information.
"Our studies with carbon nanotubes have been ongoing for quite some time," said Rao. "Each step along the way has led to the next breakthrough, and each time we've learned more about how they grow and what their applications could be. We believe that carbon nanotubes have tremendous potential for the lives of each one of us." ###
Publications: In PDF Format
- Advanced Materials 2008, 20, 179-182 people.clemson.edu/Bulkmethod.pdf
- Journal of Applied Physics 100, 064309 (2006) people.clemson.edu//Resilience.pdf
- Nature Materials people.clemson.edu/switching junctions.pdf
- Journal of Applied Physics 101, 094307 (2007) people.clemson.edu/Mechanism.pdf
Tags: Nano or Nanotechnology and Nanotech
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