Abstract: An optical absorber and method of manufacture is disclosed. A non-woven sheet of randomly-organized horizontally-oriented carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is subjected to a laser rasterizing treatment at ambient temperature and pressure. The upper surface of the sheet is functionalized by oxygen and hydrogen atoms resulting in improved absorbance properties as compared to untreated CNT sheets as well as to commercial state-of-art black paints. Laser treatment conditions may also be altered or modulated to provide surface texturing in addition to functionalization to enhance light trapping and optical absorbance properties.

Abstract: A nanoporous open-cell foam or wick structure and method for production are disclosed. The nanoporous foam or wick structures are produced from, for example, thermoplastic or thermoset polymer gels in which a gelation solvent is removed so as to preserve an expanded monolithic gel structure consisting of intertwined and or chemically crosslinked polymer molecular fibrils. The nanoporous foam or wick may encompass a stand-alone structure, or be incorporated in to microporous open cell foams or wick materials converting them in to nanoporous cellular materials having a bipore structure. Such produced nanoporous polymer materials have unique properties that may be exploited for making high performance capillary pump loop or heat pipe thermal management systems, low-boiloff slosh-less cryogen storage vessels and superior insulation materials for systems operating under ambient and elevated pressure conditions.

Abstract: An exemplary passive heat transfer apparatus is suited for transferring heat away from an electronic heat generating device to another environment. A gasket has many spaced-apart holes that are transverse to two major opposing surfaces of the gasket. A thermally conductive material is disposed within and fills the holes for conducting heat from one of the two major surfaces to the other major surface. The thermally conductive material is a nanocomposite material having nano-particles aligned substantially perpendicular to the two major opposing surfaces. The thermally conductive material as disposed in the holes has no interfacial boundaries that could adversely affect the transfer of heat.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) cable includes: a pair of plated twisted wires, each wire comprising one or more sub-cores, at least one sub-core comprising CNT yarn; a dielectric surrounding the plated twisted wires; and an electrical layer surrounding the dielectric, the electrical layer configured to shield the CNT cable. A method for making a CNT cable includes: controlling a deposition rate, depositing plating so as to surround a pair of wires, each wire comprising one or more sub-cores, at least one sub-core comprising CNT yarn; twisting the plated wires together; and surrounding the plated twisted wires with an electrical layer configured to shield the plated twisted wires, thereby creating the CNT cable.

Abstract: A heat spreader for printed wiring boards and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The heat spreader is made from a plurality of graphene sheets that are thermo-mechanically bonded using an alloy bonding process that forms a metal alloy layer using a low temperature and pressure that does not damage the graphene sheets. The resulting heat spreader has a higher thermal conductivity than graphene sheets alone.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: removing a template membrane from the MNW; infiltrating the MNW with a bonding material; placing the bonding material on the adjacent surface; bringing an adjacent surface into contact with a top surface of the MNW while the bonding material is bondable; and allowing the bonding material to cool and form a solid bond between the MNW and the adjacent surface. A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: choosing a bonding material based on a desired bonding process; and without removing the MNW from a template membrane that fills an interstitial volume of the MNW, depositing the bonding material onto a tip of the MNW.

Abstract: A thermal interface material (TIM) and method for manufacture is disclosed. A vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) array is formed on a substrate, then individual CNTs are cleaved to form a vertical nanoribbon array (VERNA). An array of aligned, upright, flat, highly-compliant ribbon elements permit a higher packing density, better ribbon-to-ribbon engagement factor, better contact with adjoining surfaces and potentially achievement of theoretical thermal conductance limit (˜1 GW/m2K) for such nanostructured polycyclic carbon materials. Methods for forming the VERNA include either or both of electrochemical and gas phase processing steps.

Abstract: A thermal interface material (TIM) and method for manufacture is disclosed. A vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) array is formed on a substrate, then individual CNTs are cleaved to form a vertical nanoribbon array (VERNA). An array of aligned, upright, flat, highly-compliant ribbon elements permit a higher packing density, better ribbon-to-ribbon engagement factor, better contact with adjoining surfaces and potentially achievement of theoretical thermal conductance limit (˜1 GW/m2K) for such nanostructured polycyclic carbon materials. Methods for forming the VERNA include either or both of electrochemical and gas phase processing steps.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) cable includes a pair of plated twisted wires, wherein each wire includes one or more sub-cores, wherein at least one sub-core includes CNT yarn; a dielectric surrounding the plated twisted wires; and an electrical layer surrounding the dielectric, wherein the electrical layer is configured to shield the CNT cable. A method for making a CNT cable includes the steps of controlling a deposition rate, depositing plating so as to surround a pair of wires, wherein each wire includes one or more sub-cores, wherein at least one sub-core includes CNT yarn, twisting the plated wires together, and surrounding the plated twisted wires with an electrical layer configured to shield the plated twisted wires, thereby creating the CNT cable.

Abstract: A heat spreader for printed wiring boards and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The heat spreader is made from a plurality of graphene sheets that are thermo-mechanically bonded using an alloy bonding process that forms a metal alloy layer using a low temperature and pressure that does not damage the graphene sheets. The resulting heat spreader has a higher thermal conductivity than graphene sheets alone.

Abstract: A compressible, thermally-conductive, removable nanocomposite gasket includes: a nanocomposite foam; and a nanoparticle filler, wherein the nanocomposite foam has a filler loading of less than approximately 20%. A compressible, thermally-conductive, removable nanocomposite gasket includes: a nanocomposite foam; a nanoparticle filler; and a metallic mesh embedded in the foam wherein the nanocomposite foam has a filler loading of less than approximately 20%.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing optical and microwave reflectors includes: placing an assembly comprising a resin-infiltrated tendrillar mat structure on a mandrel; placing a pre-impregnated carbon fiber (CF) lamina on top of the tendrillar mat structure; placing the assembly in a vacuum device so as to squeeze out excess resin; and placing the assembly in a heating device so as to cure the tendrillar mat structure together with the CF lamina, forming the CF laminae into a laminate that combines with the tendrillar mat structure to create a cured assembly. A reflector suitable for one or more of optical and microwave applications includes: a mandrel; a resin-infiltrated tendrillar mat structure placed on the mandrel; and a pre-impregnated carbon fiber (CF) lamina placed on top of the tendrillar mat structure.

Abstract: A thermal interface material (TIM) using high thermal conductivity nano-particles, particularly ones with large aspect ratios, for enhancing thermal transport across boundary or interfacial layers that exist at bulk material interfaces is disclosed. The nanoparticles do not need to be used in a fluid carrier or as filler material within a bonding adhesive to enhance thermal transport, but simply in a dry solid state. The nanoparticles may be equiaxed or acicular in shape with large aspect ratios like nanorods and nanowires.

Abstract: A heat spreader for printed wiring boards and a method of manufacture are disclosed. The heat spreader is made from a plurality of graphene sheets that are thermo-mechanically bonded using an alloy bonding process that forms a metal alloy layer using a low temperature and pressure that does not damage the graphene sheets. The resulting heat spreader has a higher thermal conductivity than graphene sheets alone.

Abstract: A method for infusing a nanoporous tendrillar mat with resin includes: performing a short duration, elevated temperature, pre-cure contacting treatment of the tendrillar mat using resin, thereby substantially uniformly infusing the tendrillar mat with resin; and curing the resin-infused tendrillar mat.

Abstract: A compressible, thermally-conductive, removable nanocomposite gasket includes: a nanocomposite foam; and a nanoparticle filler, wherein the nanocomposite foam has a filler loading of less than approximately 20%. A compressible, thermally-conductive, removable nanocomposite gasket includes: a nanocomposite foam; a nanoparticle filler; and a metallic mesh embedded in the foam wherein the nanocomposite foam has a filler loading of less than approximately 20%.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: removing a template membrane from the MNW; infiltrating the MNW with a bonding material: placing the bonding material on the adjacent surface; bringing an adjacent surface into contact with a top surface of the MNW while the bonding material is bondable; and allowing the bonding material to cool and form a solid bond between the MNW and the adjacent surface. A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: choosing a bonding material based on a desired bonding process; and without removing the MNW from a template membrane that fills an interstitial volume of the MNW, depositing the bonding material onto a tip of the MNW.

Abstract: A thermal interface material (TIM) using high thermal conductivity nano-particles, particularly ones with large aspect ratios, for enhancing thermal transport across boundary or interfacial layers that exist at bulk material interfaces is disclosed. At least one of the interfacial layers is a vertically aligned metal nanowire array. The nanoparticles do not need to be used in a fluid carrier or as filler material within a bonding adhesive to enhance thermal transport, but simply in a dry solid state. The nanoparticles may be equiaxed or acicular in shape with large aspect ratios like nanorods and nanowires.

Abstract: A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: removing a template membrane from the MNW; infiltrating the MNW with a bonding material; placing the bonding material on the adjacent surface; bringing an adjacent surface into contact with a top surface of the MNW while the bonding material is bondable; and allowing the bonding material to cool and form a solid bond between the MNW and the adjacent surface. A thermally-conductive and mechanically-robust bonding method for attaching a metal nanowire (MNW) array to an adjacent surface includes the steps of: choosing a bonding material based on a desired bonding process; and without removing the MNW from a template membrane that fills an interstitial volume of the MNW, depositing the bonding material onto a tip of the MNW.

Abstract: A method for making a vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) nanocomposite applique includes: growing a VACNT array on a substrate; treating the VACNT array with a polymer solution; performing one or more of curing and drying the polymer; and etching a surface of the polymer-VACNT nanocomposite to remove some of the polymer and to expose a portion of the VACNT. A vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) nanocomposite applique includes: a VACNT array; and a polymer solution with which the VACNT array is treated, wherein a surface of the polymer-VACNT nanocomposite is etched so as to do one or more of removing some of the polymer and exposing a portion of the VACNT.