Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a cellulose-sheathed carbon nanotube fiber. One aspect of the invention provides a sheathed nanotube fiber comprising: a carbon nanotube fiber; and a cellulose sheath extending co-axially along at least a first portion of a length of the carbon nanotube fiber. Another aspect of the invention provides a method of forming a sheathed carbon nanotube fiber, the method comprising: co-electrospinning a carbon nanotube fiber gel core within a cellulose solution sheath.

Abstract: An insoluble photosensitive polyimide having the formula ##STR1## can be exposed by a pattern of light to render the exposed areas soluble. The exposed areas can then be dissolved using a solvent to leave the pattern which can be used directly as an insulator layer in a semiconductor device. A process for preparing the photosensitive soluble polyimide utilizes maleic anhydride which is irradiated by ultraviolet light to form a cyclobutane unit which is reacted with oxydianiline to form polymic acid. The polymic acid is cured using heat into the photosensitive soluble polyimide.