Hello all,
I’ve been reading a lot about nanocomposites, or using carbon nanotubes powder as a filler in epoxy.
All literature predict tremendous enhanced properties for composites applications.
Did anyone tried to go further theorical/labs research and introduced carbon nanotubes in a commercial application ?
Glad to read any experiences, oppinions, examples …
Ya know, I don’t know. I have heard that these nanotubes can do anything, and made everything else better…but I really don’t know IF they are being used.
I also have heard of the HELLish enviromental laws concerning it. Think glass and carbon fiber. You don’t want to breath that dust. NOW think of osmething 200x smaller, and hard to filter.
but taht is all I know.
I dont know of commercial apps but NASA etc is playing with them making loooong filaments.
Plan is to have a tethered orbiting (geostationary) space platform.
Basically centrifugal force holds it up!
The idea is to hoist / lift cargo into low orbit where it can ecomonically be either repositioned into higher orbits or re-launched eg Mars or Voyager type missions.
Sounds very sci-fi but so did manned flight not so long ago.
BTW Believe they ahve played with this idea in orbit to a smaller degree.
look at this http://www.eastonbike.com/PRODUCTS/TECHNOLOGY/tech_cnt.html
Landis won Tour de France with nanocomposites bike frame…
Some development in tennis raquets too (babolat)
In fact, nanotubes powder are delivered already mixed in the resin.
This is now the easiest way to enter commercial markets.One or two company in Europe are already selling products or gallons resins with carbon nanotubes.
Future will lead to fibers replacing common CF but that technology is not applicable yet.
Less than 5% (mass) of Carbon Nanotubes can enhance final laminate by 20% in stifness,& tensile strenght.
Damn intresting, don"t you think ?