Since the early 1990s, nylon 12 and carbon nanotubes have been used as internal barriers for automotive fuel tube assemblies such as quick connectors and filters. Hyperion Catalysis is now aimed at introducing nanotubes to other resin materials for use in automotive fuel systems such as modified nylons and some fluoropolymers. This new fluoropolymer/nanotube composite can be used to make o-rings for automotive fuel connectors.
In the electronics industry, the computer hardware of polycarbonate and polyetherimide (Ultem from GE) can be enhanced with nanotubes for better conductivity and a smoother surface.
In the past three years, a very large automotive OEM company in Europe has added carbon nanotubes to GE's Noryl GTX nylon/PPO alloys and molded exterior fenders. This conductive nanocomposite material can be painted by electrostatic methods.
A surface-treated graphite nanoplate has recently been developed at the MSU Composite Materials and Structures Center. The modulus of graphite is several times that of clay, and it has better electrical and thermal properties. After it is combined with an epoxy resin, it will have better mechanical properties than general carbon fiber and nano carbon black. And higher conductivity. MSU has foreseen its great potential for development in the protection of ESD and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. This plastic nanographite compound is expected to be sold for five dollars per pound, which is much cheaper than carbon nanotubes or steam-generated carbon fiber.
Carbon nanotubes can change much more than conductivity. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has found that the addition of carbon nanotubes to PP not only improves the strength and performance of the material, but also changes the flow conditions of the molten polymer and effectively removes the die expansion.
In the electronics industry, the computer hardware of polycarbonate and polyetherimide (Ultem from GE) can be enhanced with nanotubes for better conductivity and a smoother surface.
In the past three years, a very large automotive OEM company in Europe has added carbon nanotubes to GE's Noryl GTX nylon/PPO alloys and molded exterior fenders. This conductive nanocomposite material can be painted by electrostatic methods.
A surface-treated graphite nanoplate has recently been developed at the MSU Composite Materials and Structures Center. The modulus of graphite is several times that of clay, and it has better electrical and thermal properties. After it is combined with an epoxy resin, it will have better mechanical properties than general carbon fiber and nano carbon black. And higher conductivity. MSU has foreseen its great potential for development in the protection of ESD and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. This plastic nanographite compound is expected to be sold for five dollars per pound, which is much cheaper than carbon nanotubes or steam-generated carbon fiber.
Carbon nanotubes can change much more than conductivity. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has found that the addition of carbon nanotubes to PP not only improves the strength and performance of the material, but also changes the flow conditions of the molten polymer and effectively removes the die expansion.