TANOCOMP partners

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Carbon nanotubes nanocomposites

In the field of composite materials, the interest in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) lies in their light weight, excellent electrical properties and high strength for structural reinforcement which lead to the formation of a low weight and conductive "composite” with high elasticity and resistance to impact.

CNTs-based polymer composites with different mechanical properties can be prepared for applications such as automotive parts or space vehicles, lightweight construction materials able to withstand high stresses and vibrations and other industrial applications in different sectors.

The strong in-plane graphitic C —C bonds make defect-free multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) exceptionally strong and stiff against axial strains and flexible against non-axial strains.

Additionally, nanotubes also exhibit exceptional electrical and thermal conductivities. Many applications, therefore, can be proposed for nanotubes such as additive fibers in lightweight multi-functional composite materials.

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Electron Microscopy images of nanotubes Glonatech’s multiwall carbon

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Carbon nanotubes market Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of MWCNTs (LEFT), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of MWCNTs (RIGHT).

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CNTs compounding for Masterbatches production

Coperion ZSK26 Mega-Compounder used for nanocomposite preparation »

CNT nanocomposite molding techniques

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Nanotechnology is currently impact businesses aiming at offering new and improved products and processes, as well as allowing companies to innovate and enter new markets.

TANOCOMPs targeted applications for the plastics sector

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Automotive

Benefits

: CO 2 reduction, lighter materials, decrease in fuel consumption, stiffer materials

Applications and Uses

: light structural materials, paintable plastics, interior and exterior plastic • parts

Aeronautics

Benefits

: Lower energy needs, CO 2 reduction

Applications and Uses

: Lightweight stronger • materials, superhydrophobic coatings

Electronics

Benefits

: enhanced Providing hand faster, held smaller and devices

Applications and Uses

: Advanced display technologies with conductive nanomaterials, quantum computing, printable electronics, transparent thin films and flexible •

Packaging

Benefits

: New materials for lightweight packaging and storage

Applications and Uses

: plastic bottles and boxes, • plastic bags and sacks.

Agriculture

Benefits

: antifouling self-cleaning, properties, anti-bacterial enhanced and mechanical performance.

Applications and Uses

: water and air purification systems, anti-misting systems, • irrigation pipes

Sporting Goods and recreation

sewage and

Benefits

: Stronger and durable products, enhanced fabrics, textiles embedded with sensors

Applications and Uses

: tennis balls and rackets, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lighter bicycles

and many more …

160,00% 22

Extrusion molding

140,00% 21 120,00% 20 100,00% Tensile Strength Improvement % 19 80,00% 60,00% Young's Modulus Improvement % 18 Pristine MWNT Functionalized MWNT 40,00% 17

Injection molding

16 20,00% 0,00% 15 PP PS 0,50% 0,70% 1% 1,20% 1,50% PP/MWNT (90%) PP/MWNT (95%) Experimental data of the mechanical properties (Tensile strength and Young’s modulus improvement %) of polypropylene (PP) and carbon nanotube nanocomposites (LEFT). Experimental data of ultimate tensile strength of polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites with two different types of multiwall carbon nanotubes, pristine and functionalized (RIGHT).

e-Learning training on nanotechnology for the plastics industry www.tanocomp.eu

This project is co-financed by the European Commission This communication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.