Technologies Available for Licensing from Boston College
Ref #: BC2002.004/wen
updated: 06/10/2009
Boron Carbide Reinforced Carbon Nanotubes
Invention: The invention provides microparticulate carbide reinforced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) comprising boron carbide nanolumps formed on the surface of CNTs. This invention also provides a method of producing microparticulate carbide reinforced CNTs that enable their use as reinforcing composite fillers in producing high strength composite materials.
Background: CNTs have been added to matrix materials to form high-strength composites. However, the use of CNTs as reinforcing fillers has several disadvantages due to the weak interface between the matrix material and nanotube layers. Several methods have been developed to enhance bonding between CNTs and matrix material but are unsuccessful in conferring high mechanical strength to CNT reinforced composites and to enable their commercial use in the manufacture of high-strength, light-weight mechanical and electrical device components.
Features and Benefits / Advantages:
¨ Improves the load transfer from carbon nanotubes to the matrix in the composite of carbon nanotubes as the enhancing fillers in any matrix.
¨ Nanolumps bond not only to the outermost layer but also to the inner layers of the CNTs and promote the bonding of matrix material to the inner layers of multi-walled CNTs.
¨ Boron carbides are compounds with superior hardness, excellent mechanical, thermal and electrical properties and therefore make excellent reinforcing material for CNTs.
Applications:
¨ For use in making high-strength, light-weight composite materials, including mechanical and electrical device components
¨ Can be used in polymer and metal matrices to increase its strength and in ceramic matrices to increase its toughness
Stage of Development: Technology has been demonstrated
Publications: J. Y. Lao, W. Z. Li, J. G. Wen, and Z. F. Ren "Boron Carbide Nanolumps on Carbon Nanotubes", Appl. Phys. Lett. 80, 500-502 (2002).
Intellectual Property:
US Patents: 6,911,260 and 7,442,414
Inventors: Zhifeng Ren, J.G. Wen, J.Y. Lao, W.Z. Li
Contact: Catherine L. Ives, Ph.D.
Tel: (617) 552-1682 ♦ Fax: (617) 552-6981 ♦ ♦ Website: www.bc.edu/research/ottl.html