Abstract: Helical carbon nanotubes and the chemical functionalization of helical carbon nanotubes for use in high-performance multifunctional nanocomposite materials are described. Various processes of preparing functionalized helical carbon nanotubes and materials incorporating these nanotubes are also described.

Abstract: Reinforced nanocomposite structures are described herein. Nanocomposite structures containing reinforcement fibers that are mechanically interlocked together with nanostructures are also described. Helical carbon nanotubes can be used to create high-performance multifunctional nanocomposite materials systems. Nanocomposite materials systems described also include chemically functionalized nanomaterials that are highly bent, kinked, twisted, entangled and mechanically interlocked within a resin system and/or traditional microfiber reinforcements.

Abstract: A three-dimensional composite reinforcement, a three-dimensionally reinforced multifunctional nanocomposite, and methods of manufacture of each are disclosed. The three dimensional reinforcement comprises a two dimensional fiber cloth upon which carbon nanotubes have been grown, approximately perpendicular to the plane of the fiber cloth. The nanocomposite comprises the three-dimensional reinforcement and a surrounding matrix material. Examples illustrate improvements in the through-thickness mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the nanocomposite, in addition to substantial improvements in geometrical stability upon temperature changes and vibrational damping, compared to baseline composites reinforced with the two-dimensional fiber cloth alone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide polymer matrix nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale materials such as nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and methods of fabricating. The nanomaterials are provided within relatively low weight fractions, for example in the range of approximately 0.01 to about 0.4% by weight and distributed within the matrix by a magnetic mixing procedure to provide substantially uniform reinforcement of the nanocomposites. Advantageously, these nanocomposites provide significantly enhanced tensile strength, strain to failure, and fracture toughness over corresponding neat matrices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide polymer matrix nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale materials such as nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and methods of fabricating. The nanomaterials are provided within relatively low weight fractions, for example in the range of approximately 0.01 to about 0.4% by weight and distributed within the matrix by a magnetic mixing procedure to provide substantially uniform reinforcement of the nanocomposites. Advantageously, these nanocomposites provide significantly enhanced tensile strength, strain to failure, and fracture toughness over corresponding neat matrices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide polymer matrix nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale materials such as nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and methods of fabricating. The nanomaterials are provided within relatively low weight fractions, for example in the range of approximately 0.01 to about 0.4% by weight and distributed within the matrix by a magnetic mixing procedure to provide substantially uniform reinforcement of the nanocomposites. Advantageously, these nanocomposites provide significantly enhanced tensile strength, strain to failure, and fracture toughness over corresponding neat matrices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide polymer matrix nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale materials such as nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and methods of fabricating. The nanomaterials are provided within relatively low weight fractions, for example in the range of approximately 0.01 to about 0.4% by weight and distributed within the matrix by a magnetic mixing procedure to provide substantially uniform reinforcement of the nanocomposites. Advantageously, these nanocomposites provide significantly enhanced tensile strength, strain to failure, and fracture toughness over corresponding neat matrices.

Abstract: A three-dimensional composite reinforcement, a three-dimensionally reinforced multifunctional nanocomposite, and methods of manufacture of each are disclosed. The three dimensional reinforcement comprises a two dimensional fiber cloth upon which carbon nanotubes have been grown, approximately perpendicular to the plane of the fiber cloth. The nanocomposite comprises the three-dimensional reinforcement and a surrounding matrix material. Examples illustrate improvements in the through-thickness mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of the nanocomposite, in addition to substantial improvements in geometrical stability upon temperature changes and vibrational damping, compared to baseline composites reinforced with the two-dimensional fiber cloth alone.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide polymer matrix nanocomposites reinforced with nano-scale materials such as nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes and methods of fabricating. The nanomaterials are provided within relatively low weight fractions, for example in the range of approximately 0.01 to about 0.4% by weight and distributed within the matrix by a magnetic mixing procedure to provide substantially uniform reinforcement of the nanocomposites. Advantageously, these nanocomposites provide significantly enhanced tensile strength, strain to failure, and fracture toughness over corresponding neat matrices.