Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon nanotube-containing compositions that have increased viscosity and stability. In particular, the invention is directed to methods for manufacturing carbon nanotube films and layers that provide superior electrical properties.

Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon nanotube-containing compositions that have increased viscosity and stability. In particular, the invention is directed to methods for manufacturing carbon nanotube films and layers that provide superior electrical properties.

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: This invention is directed to compositions and methods of incorporating metal particles into carbon nanotube films, sheets, and networks. Metal salts that are soluble in water, alcohol, polar organic solvents, and mixtures thereof are used to deposit metal particles onto carbon nanotube films, sheets, and networks. Metal salts increase conductance of nanotube films by spontaneously depositing gold on the nanotube. The concentration and time of exposure to metal salt solution allows the tuning of conductivity and transparency for a transparent carbon nanotube network. Metal salts added to nanotube ink add functional properties of the metal to nanotube conductors.

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: The invention is directed to carbon nanotube-containing compositions that have increased viscosity and stability. In particular, the invention is directed to methods for manufacturing carbon nanotube films and layers that provide superior electrical properties.

Abstract: This invention relates to flexible, transparent and conductive coatings and films formed using carbon nanotubes (CNT) and, in particular, single wall CNT, with polymer binders. Preferably, coatings and films are formed from CNT applied to transparent substrates forming one or multiple conductive layers at nanometer level of thickness. Polymer binders are applied to the CNT network coating having an open structure to provide protection through infiltration, and may comprise a basecoat, a topcoat, or a combination thereof, providing enhanced optical transparency, conductivity, moisture resistance, thermal resistance, abrasion resistance and interfacial adhesion. Polymers may be thermoplastics, thermosets, insulative, conductive or a combination thereof. A fluoropolymer containing binder is applied onto a CNT-based transparent conductive coating at nanometer level of thickness on a clear substrate. The fluoropolymers or blend can be either semi-crystalline or amorphous.

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: This invention relates generally to the incorporation of carbon nanotubes into compositions for protection against damage from ultraviolet radiation. In particular, the invention is directed to sunscreen compositions and methods for the preparation of sunscreen compositions.

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: An electrically conductive film is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the film includes a plurality of single-walled nanotubes having a particular diameter. The disclosed film demonstrates excellent conductivity and transparency. Methods of preparing the film as well as methods of its use are also disclosed herein.

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 making a nanocomposite electrode or circuit pattern includes forming a continuous carbon nanotube layer impregnated with a binder and patterning the binder resin using various printing or photo imaging techniques. An alternative method includes patterning the carbon nanotube layer using various printing or imaging techniques and subsequently applying a continuous coating of binder resin to the patterned carbon nanotube layer. Articles made from these patterned nanocomposite coatings include transparent electrodes and circuits for flat panel displays, photovoltaics, touch screens, electroluminescent lamps, and EMI shielding.

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 compositions and methods for forming highly transparent and electrically conductive coatings/films by exploiting self patterning nanostructures composed of electrically conductive materials. The resulting layer is suitable for conducting electricity in applications where a transparent electrode is required. Typical applications include, but are not limited to; LC displays, touch screens, EMI shielding windows, and architectural windows. In one embodiment, carbon nanotubes are applied to an insulating substrate to form an electrically conductive network of nanotubes with controlled porosity in the network. The open area, between the networks of nanotubes, increases the optical transparency in the visible spectrum while the continuous nanotube phase provides electrical conductivity across the entire surface or patterned area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel nanocomposite dielectric comprising a polymer matrix and a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed therein. A method for increasing a dielectric constant of a polymer matrix, as well as a laminate and mobile antenna comprising the novel dielectric are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for making a nanocomposite electrode or circuit pattern includes forming a continuous carbon nanotube layer impregnated with a binder and patterning the binder resin using various printing or photo imaging techniques. An alternative method includes patterning the carbon nanotube layer using various printing or imaging techniques and subsequently applying a continuous coating of binder resin to the patterned carbon nanotube layer. Articles made from these patterned nanocomposite coatings include transparent electrodes and circuits for flat panel displays, photovoltaics, touch screens, electroluminescent lamps, and EMI shielding.

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.