Abstract: The present invention relates to purified transparent carbon nanotube (CNT) conductive layers or coatings that comprise at least one additional material to form a composite. Adding a material to the CNT layer or coating improves conductivity, transparency, and/or the performance of a device comprising a transparent conductive CNT layers or coating This composite may be used in photovoltaic devices, OLEDs, LCD displays, or touch screens.

Abstract: This invention are directed to methods and compositions preferably comprising non-silicate metal oxides as a treatment for transparent electrically conductive carbon nanotube coatings that prevents resistance changes during exposure to environmental conditions; both chemical effects (for example, water, heat, light, or other compounds) and physical effects (for example, abrasion, scratch, adhesion). The protective properties instilled by these coatings occur preferably through the careful selection of the appropriate metal oxide depending on the application.

Abstract: High-use temperature, lightweight polymer/inorganic nanocomposite materials are described having enhanced thermal stability and performance characteristics. These materials are made possible by new methods for synthesizing composite materials that enhance the thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems from 100-150° C. to over 450° C. These materials and techniques for their formation are enabled at least in part by the use of polar organic phthalonitrile monomers and oligomers that can exfoliate layered phyllosilicates, such as smectite clays, in percentages greater than 10% inorganic by weight. This approach offers a solvent-free direct melt intercalation technique that greatly reduces the cost of processing nanocomposites. Additionally, the use of unmodified phyllosilicates overcomes temperature limitations of prior art, which uses organically-modified layered silicates.

Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in a fluid is disclosed. The chemical sensors include chemically sensitive resistors that utilize carbon nanotubes as a chemically sensitive element. The disclosed sensors additionally utilize polymers which selectively alter or inhibit the chemical sensitivity of the carbon nanotubes. Methods of preparing the sensors as well as methods of their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to conformal coatings that provide excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). A conformal coating comprises an insulating layer and a conducting layer containing electrically conductive material. The insulating layer comprises materials for protecting a coated object. The conducting layer comprises materials that provide EMI shielding such as carbon black, carbon buckeyballs, carbon nanotubes, chemically-modified carbon nanotubes and combinations thereof. The insulating layer and the conductive layer may be the same or different, and may be applied to an object simultaneously or sequentially. Accordingly, the invention is also directed to objects that are partially or completely coated with a conformal coating that provides EMI shielding.

Abstract: High-use temperature, lightweight polymer/inorganic nanocomposite materials are described having enhanced thermal stability and performance characteristics. These materials are made possible by new methods for synthesizing composite materials that enhance the thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems from 100–150° C. to over 450° C. These materials and techniques for their formation are enabled at least in part by the use of polar organic phthalonitrile monomers and oligomers that can exfoliate layered phyllosilicates, such as smectite clays, in percentages greater than 10% inorganic by weight. This approach offers a solvent-free direct melt intercalation technique that greatly reduces the cost of processing nanocomposites. Additionally, the use of unmodified phyllosilicates overcomes temperature limitations of prior art, which uses organically-modified layered silicates.

Abstract: A method for repairing fiber-reinforced composite structures while maintaining original EM and lightning protection using carbon nanotubes, fibers, and thermoset resins is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises preparing a damaged area for repair; preparing a repair patch for the damaged area, the repair patch comprising nanotubes; applying the repair patch to the damaged area; and curing the repair patch. A repair patch for a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair patch includes a binder and nanotubes. A repair resin for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair layer includes a resin and nanotubes. A putty for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to conformal coatings that provide excellent shielding against electromagnetic interference (EMI). A conformal coating comprises an insulating layer and a conducting layer containing electrically conductive material. The insulating layer comprises materials for protecting a coated object. The conducting layer comprises materials that provide EMI shielding such as carbon black, carbon buckeyballs, carbon nanotubes, chemically-modified carbon nanotubes and combinations thereof. The insulating layer and the conductive layer may be the same or different, and may be applied to an object simultaneously or sequentially. Accordingly, the invention is also directed to objects that are partially or completely coated with a conformal coating that provides EMI shielding.

Abstract: Spacecraft with electrostatic dissipative surfaces are disclosed herein. The surface has layer which includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes to incorporate electrical conductivity into space durable polymeric layers without degrading optical transparency, solar absorptivity or mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method for repairing fiber-reinforced composite structures while maintaining original EM and lightning protection using carbon nanotubes, fibers, and thermoset resins is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the invention, the method comprises preparing a damaged area for repair; preparing a repair patch for the damaged area, the repair patch comprising nanotubes; applying the repair patch to the damaged area; and curing the repair patch. A repair patch for a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair patch includes a binder and nanotubes. A repair resin for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the repair layer includes a resin and nanotubes. A putty for repairing a composite structure having a conductive layer is disclosed.

Abstract: High-use temperature, lightweight polymer/inorganic nanocomposite materials are described having enhanced thermal stability and performance characteristics. These materials are made possible by new methods for synthesizing composite materials that enhance the thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems from 100-150° C. to over 450° C. These materials and techniques for their formation are enabled at least in part by the use of polar organic phthalonitrile monomers and oligomers that can exfoliate layered phyllosilicates, such as smectite clays, in percentages greater than 10% inorganic by weight. This approach offers a solvent-free direct melt intercalation technique that greatly reduces the cost of processing nanocomposites. Additionally, the use of unmodified phyllosilicates overcomes temperature limitations of prior art, which uses organically-modified layered silicates.