Abstract: This invention relates generally to carbon fiber produced from single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) molecular arrays. In one embodiment, the carbon fiber which comprises an aggregation of substantially parallel carbon nanotubes comprises more than one molecular array. Another embodiment of this invention is a large cable-like structure with enhanced tensile properties comprising a number of smaller separate arrays. In another embodiment, a composite structure is disclosed in which a central core array of metallic SWNTs is surrounded by a series of smaller circular non-metallic SWNT arrays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to composites useful for shielding electromagnetic radiation and their manufacture. In general, the composites of the present invention comprise conductive fibers which are highly dispersed in a polymer matrix. The invention also relates to pellets and their manufacture. Such pellets are useful in the manufacture of composites comprising highly dispersed conductive fibers in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to forming an array of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, a homogeneous population of SWNT molecules is used to produce a substantially two-dimensional array made up of single-walled nanotubes aggregated in substantially parallel orientation to form a monolayer extending in directions substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the individual nanotubes. Using SWNT molecules of the same type and structure provides a homogeneous array. By using different SWNT molecules, either a random or ordered heterogeneous structure can be produced by employing successive reactions after removal of previously masked areas of a substrate. Tn one embodiment, SWNT molecules may be linked to a substrate through a linker moiety such as —S—, —S—(CH2)n,-NH-, SiO3(CH2)3NH- or the like.

Abstract: A carbon fiber having catalytic metal supported thereon according to the present invention is a carbon fiber in which a number of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a cup having no bottom are stacked. At least part of edges of the hexagonal carbon layers is exposed at an outer surface or inner surface of the carbon fiber. Catalytic metal is supported on the exposed edges of the hexagonal carbon layers. The edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are further exposed by removing a deposited layer formed on the outer surface or inner surface of the carbon fiber. The exposed edges of the hexagonal carbon layers have an extremely high activity and are suitable as a support for catalytic metal.

Abstract: A novel flexible non-woven carbon fibre gas diffusion substrate comprising a plurality of first carbon fibres orientated in the x-, y- and optionally z-directions, said first fibres being bonded with a thermoplastic polymeric substance, and a carbon based filler material, characterised, in that the flexible non-woven carbon fibre gas diffusion substrate has a total density of greater than 0.35 g/cm3, and a gas diffusion electrode obtained therefrom is disclosed. Also disclosed is a process for the manufacture of the substrate and electrode.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method for producing self-assembled objects comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and compositions thereof. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a three-dimensional structure of derivatized single-wall nanotube molecules that spontaneously form. It includes several component molecule having multiple derivatives brought together to assemble into the three-dimensional structure. In another embodiment, objects may be obtained by bonding functionally-specific agents (FSAs) groups of nanotubes into geometric structures. The bond selectivity of FSAs allow selected nanotubes of a particular size or kind to assemble together and inhibit the assembling of unselected nanotubes that may also be present.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing bar for mineral building materials, particularly for cement. The inventive reinforcing bar (10) is made of a bar of plastic material reinforced by fiber, which has a central, elongate core (12) and several ribs (14) which extend along the length of the core, which are disposed at an angular distance from each other, which form a cross or a star in the cross section thereof and which are twisted around the core axis (16) in a helical manner.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a long carbon nanotube yarn includes the following steps: (1) providing a flat and smooth substrate; (2) depositing a catalyst on the substrate; (3) positioning the substrate with the catalyst in a furnace; (4) heating the furnace to a predetermined temperature; (5) supplying a mixture of carbon containing gas and protecting gas into the furnace; (6) controlling a difference between the local temperature of the catalyst and the furnace temperature to be at least 50° C.; (7) controlling the partial pressure of the carbon containing gas to be less than 0.2; (8) growing a number of carbon nanotubes on the substrate such that a carbon nanotube array is formed on the substrate; and (9) drawing out a bundle of carbon nanotubes from the carbon nanotube array such that a carbon nanotube yarn is formed.

Abstract: A carbon fiber for a field electron emitter has a coaxial stacking morphology of truncated conical tubular graphene layers, each of which includes a hexagonal carbon layer and has a large ring end and a small ring end at opposite ends in the axial direction. The edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on at least part of the large ring ends. Since all the exposed edges function as electron emission tips, a large amount of emission current can be obtained.

Abstract: A carbon fiber product according to the present invention is a carbon fiber product in which one to several hundreds of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a bottomless cup are stacked. Edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on at least part of an outer surface or inner surface. The exposed part of the edges of the hexagonal carbon layers have a high degree of activity and excel in adhesion to base materials such as resins. Therefore, this carbon fiber product is suitable as a material for composites.

Abstract: In an expanded carbon fiber product according to the present invention, a number of hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a cup having no bottom are stacked. At least part of edges of the hexagonal carbon layers is exposed at an outer surface or inner surface of the expanded carbon fiber product. At least part of gaps between the hexagonal carbon layers is larger than the gaps between the hexagonal carbon layers at the time of vapor growth.

Abstract: A carbon fiber in which hexagonal carbon layers in the shape of a bottomless cup are stacked. At least part of edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed on an outer surface and an inner surface of the carbon fiber. The exposed large ring end has an armchair edge, a zigzag edge, and a chiral edge on the circumference. This carbon fiber has a high degree of activity on the exposed edges of the hexagonal carbon layers and the surfaces of the carbon fiber. Therefore, the carbon fiber can be used as various types of filters and the like.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube is doped with an impurity atom and used to detect the presence of a particular molecular species as a function of the particular molecular species bonding to the impurity atom. In one implementation, the doped nanotube responds electrically to the bonding of the particular molecular species to the impurity atom. With this approach, nanotubes such as single-walled carbon nanotubes can be doped to respond selectively to one or more types of molecular species.

Abstract: The present invention includes carbon nanotubes whose hollow cores are 100% filled with conductive filler. The carbon nanotubes are in uniform arrays on a conductive substrate and are well-aligned and can be densely packed. The uniformity of the carbon nanotube arrays is indicated by the uniform length and diameter of the carbon nanotubes, both which vary from nanotube to nanotube on a given array by no more than about 5%. The alignment of the carbon nanotubes is indicated by the perpendicular growth of the nanotubes from the substrates which is achieved in part by the simultaneous growth of the conductive filler within the hollow core of the nanotube and the densely packed growth of the nanotubes. The present invention provides a densely packed carbon nanotube growth where each nanotube is in contact with at least one nearest-neighbor nanotube.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing carbon nanotubes with an integrally attached outer graphitic layer is disclosed. The graphitic layer improves the ability to handle and manipulate the nanometer size nanotube device in various applications, such as a probe tip in scanning probe microscopes and optical microscopes, or as an electron emitting device. A thermal chemical vapor deposition reactor is the preferred reaction vessel in which a transition metal catalyst with an inert gas, hydrogen gas and a carbon-containing gas mixture are heated at various temperatures in a range between 500° C. and 1000° C. with gases and temperatures being adjusted periodically during the reaction times required to grow the nanotube core and subsequently grow the desired outer graphitic layer.

Abstract: Material from a fibre composite ceramic, constructed from a) a dense fabric or cluster of three-dimensional oriented fibres with a high thermal conductivity, b) a crystalline matrix of ?-silicon carbide, that is produced in a CVI process on the fibres, c) a matrix component of ?-silicon carbide that in a polymer infiltration and pyrolysis process is generated in pores of the fabric structure, starting from a suspension of silicon carbide powder in a polymer, and d) a further matrix component of ?-silicon carbide that is created in a CVI process in cracks and pores of the material, caused by the preceding pyrolysis process.

Abstract: Layered metal non-oxide coated substrates are disclosed comprising a three dimensional inorganic substrate having a coating of metal non-oxide derived from a pre-associated coating on at least a portion of all three dimensions thereof, produced by a unique process having particular applicability to the manufacture of metal boride, carbide and nitride coated three dimensional substrates. Certain novel coated substrates, such as flakes, spheres and porous substrate are disclosed. The coated substrates are useful in polymer catalysis, heating and shielding applications.

Abstract: A silicon carbide fiber having a boron nitride layer in a fiber surface and having the following properties of a to c, a. the existent ratio of boron slopingly increases towards the surface of the fiber, b. the existent ratio of boron in the region of from the fiber surface to a depth of 500 nm is 0.5 to 1.5% by weight, c. the existent ratio of boron in a fiber central portion which is a region of a depth of at least 3 ?m below the fiber surface is 0 to 0.2% by weight, and a process for the production thereof.

Abstract: Functionalized nanoscale carbon fibers and tubes of the formula: wherein Ar is selected from the group consisting of: wherein R is selected from the group consisting of H, H3C—(CH2)n— and wherein n has a value of 0–10. Also provided is a process for functionalizing nanoscale carbon fibers or tubes.

Abstract: A fine carbon fiber having an outer diameter of about 1 to about 80 nm and an aspect ratio of 10 to 30,000, comprising a hollow center portion and a multi-layer sheath structure of a plurality of carbon layers, the layers forming annual rings, wherein the sheath-forming carbon layers form an incomplete sheath, i.e., the carbon layers are partially broken or disrupted in a longitudinal direction, and the outer diameter of the carbon fiber and/or the diameter of the hollow center portion are not uniform in a longitudinal direction. The carbon fiber is obtained by instantaneously reacting a carrier gas at a high temperature and an organic compound gas kept at a temperature below the decomposition temperature of the transition metal compound and has a conductivity equivalent to that of a conventional vapor phase method and is useful as a filler material in resins, rubbers, paints and the like.

Abstract: A fine carbon fiber having a multilayer structure having stacked cylindrical carbon sheets and a center axis having a hollow structure. The fine carbon fiber has an outer diameter of 2 to 300 nm and an aspect ratio of 10 to 15,000, and at least one cylindrical carbon sheet layer among the multiple layers is folded at an end part of the carbon fiber and continued to another cylindrical carbon sheet. The folded and continued cylindrical carbon sheets form a cylindrical structure opened at the end part.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube product formed from a metallic catalytic particle and single-walled carbon nanotubes deposited thereon. The catalytic particles preferably contain at least one metal from Group VIII, including for example Co, Ni, Ru, Rh, Pd, Ir, and Pt, and at least one metal from Group VIb including for example Mo, W and Cr. The metallic catalytic particle preferably further comprises a support material such as silica. The carbon nanotube product is preferably formed by exposing the metallic catalytic particle to a carbon-containing gas at a temperature sufficient to form the single-walled nanotubes as a primary portion of a solid carbon product on the metallic catalytic particles.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to carbon fiber produced from single-wall carbon nanotube (SWNT) molecular arrays. In one embodiment, the present invention involves a macroscopic carbon fiber comprising at least 106 signal-wall carbon nanotubes in generally parallel orientation.

Abstract: A fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composite material exhibiting increased matrix cracking strength and fracture toughness is produced by sequentially depositing a plurality of 5-500 nanometer-thick layers of a primary ceramic matrix material phase periodically separated by 1-100 nanometer-thick intermediate layers of a secondary matrix material phase onto the reinforcing fibers upon their consolidation. The resultant nanolayered matrix enhances the resistance to the onset of matrix cracking, thus increasing the useful design strength of the ceramic matrix composite material. The nanolayered microstructure of the matrix constituent also provides a unique resistance to matrix crack propagation. Through extensive inter-layer matrix fracture, debonding and slip, internal matrix microcracks are effectively diverted and/or blunted prior to their approach towards the reinforcing fiber, thus increasing the apparent toughness of the matrix constituent.

Abstract: A fine carbon fiber mixture produced through a vapor-growth process, which comprises fine carbon fiber, each fiber filament of the fiber having an outer diameter of 1 to 500 nm and an aspect ratio of 10 to 15,000 and comprising a hollow space extending along its center axis and a multi-layer sheath structure consisting of a plurality of carbon layers; and non-fibrous carbon such as flake-like carbon, granular carbon, or sheet-like carbon. A composition comprising a resin or a rubber and a fine carbon fiber mixture as above contained therein. An electrically conductive article or a sliding article comprising the composition.

Abstract: A carbon fiber has a coaxial stacking morphology of truncated conical tubular graphene layers, wherein each of the graphene layers includes a hexagonal carbon layer and has a large ring end at one end and a small ring end at the other end in the axial direction. When the carbon fiber is subjected to a heat treatment in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, the large ring ends of each two of the hexagonal carbon layers are linked by layer link sections in at least one of groups of the hexagonal carbon layers arranged in an axial direction, and an outer surface is closed to have a multi-semiring structure in cross section. When the carbon fiber is then subjected to a heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere, the layer link sections are released, whereby the edges of the hexagonal carbon layers are exposed at the large ring ends in a regularly arranged manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to rigid porous carbon structures and to methods of making same. The rigid porous structures have a high surface area which are substantially free of micropores. Methods for improving the rigidity of the carbon structures include causing the nanofibers to form bonds or become glued with other nanofibers at the fiber intersections. The bonding can be induced by chemical modification of the surface of the nanofibers to promote bonding, by adding “gluing” agents and/or by pyrolyzing the nanofibers to cause fusion or bonding at the interconnect points.

Abstract: A concrete article comprised of concrete having therein a reinforcing polymer that has a surface comprised of a thermoplastic hydroxy-functionalized polyether or polyester. The concrete article is made by mixing concrete, water and a reinforcing polymer that has a surface comprised of a thermoplastic hydroxy-functionalized polyether or polyester and curing said concrete mixture forming the concrete article.

Abstract: A fuel cell gas diffusion substrate has primary fibres, secondary fibres and one or more thermoplastic polymers for binding the primary and secondary fibres, characterized in that the secondary fibers are in the form of carbon nanofibers, and a gas diffusion electrode and membrane electrode assembly prepared therefrom are disclosed.

Abstract: A multi-layer thermoplastic structure that has at least one layer that is between 0.3 and 20 mm thick and is made of an ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer with a density of between 0.94 and 1.4, and a melt flow index of between 1.3 and 4.2 g/10 minutes at a temperature between 170 and 240 degree C. The multi-layer thermoplastic structure is obtained by rotation moulding and is of particular benefit when functioning as a gas tank.

Abstract: Nanotube films and articles and methods of making the same are disclosed. A conductive article includes an aggregate of nanotube segments in which the nanotube segments contact other nanotube segments to define a plurality of conductive pathways along the article. The nanotube segments may be single walled carbon nanotubes, or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The various segments may have different lengths and may include segments having a length shorter than the length of the article. The articles so formed may be disposed on substrates, and may form an electrical network of nanotubes within the article itself. Conductive articles may be made on a substrate by forming a nanotube fabric on the substrate, and defining a pattern within the fabric in which the pattern corresponds to the conductive article.

Abstract: Compositions including modified carbide-containing nanorods and/or modified oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or modified carbon nanotubes bearing carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are provided. Rigid porous structures including modified oxycarbide-containing nanorods and/or modified carbide containing nanorods and/or modified carbon nanotubes bearing modified carbides and oxycarbides and methods of making the same are also provided. The compositions and rigid porous structures of the invention can be used either as catalyst and/or catalyst supports in fluid phase catalytic chemical reactions. Processes for making supported catalyst for selected fluid phase catalytic reactions are also provided.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube structures are provided, in which the networks with a desired area and volume, where the carbon nanotubes are electrically or magnetically connected, are formed and the method for easily manufacturing the carbon nanotube structures with less carbon nanotube structures. Carbon nanotube devices are also provided, to which the useful carbon nanotube structures mentioned above are applied. A method for manufacturing carbon nanotube structures includes the steps of applying carbon nanotubes to a low-viscosity dispersion medium to obtain a high-viscosity dispersing liquid which includes carbon nanotubes, and forming a network of the carbon nanotubes having electrical and/or magnetic connections therebetween by removing the low-viscosity dispersion medium from the high-viscosity dispersed liquid.

Abstract: An endless power transmission belt having (1) a tension section; (2) a cushion section; and (3) a load-carrying section disposed between the tension section and cushion section; and the belt containing an elastomeric composition comprising (a) cross-linked elastomer; and (b) from 5 to 60 phr of chopped carbon fibers that have a sizing agent applied to the surface of the fibers.

Abstract: A thermal interface includes nanofibrils. The nanofibrils may be attached to a flat base or membrane, or may be attached to the tip portions of larger diameter fibers. The nanofibrils have a diameter of less than about 1 micron, and may advantageously be formed from single walled and/or multi-walled nanotubes.

Abstract: Carbon composite components (1, 11, 22, 30), which may be aircraft brake discs, heat exchanger cores, and so on, are covered by protective coating 32. Component (1, 11, 22, 30) is immersed in liquid bath precursor of fluidized glass (step 55). After immersion step, glass-coated component (1, 11, 22, 30) is removed and annealed. Heat treatment gradually increases temperature to 250-350° C. at the rate of 1-2° C. per minute (step 60). Heat treatment is followed by soak at temperature of 250-350° C. for 1-10 hours (step 65). Temperature is then increased to 550-650° C. (step 70). Temperature is maintained at 550-650° C. for 1-10 hours (step 75). After completion of second prolonged heat treatment, the component is cooled until reaching room temperature (step 80). Upon completion of the annealing step, the fluidized glass coating converts to solid glass coating (32) enveloping and forming a protective barrier against undesirable oxidation of the C—C component (1, 11, 22, 30).

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to reinforced carbon nanotubes, and more particularly to reinforced carbon nanotubes having a plurality of microparticulate carbide or oxide materials formed substantially on the surface of such reinforced carbon nanotubes composite materials. In particular, the present invention provides reinforced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) having a plurality of boron carbide nanolumps formed substantially on a surface of the reinforced CNTs that provide a reinforcing effect on CNTs, enabling their use as effective reinforcing fillers for matrix materials to give high-strength composites. The present invention also provides methods for producing such carbide reinforced CNTs.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a fiber-reinforced material which is composed, at least in a region of a surface layer, of a ceramic composite and has carbon-containing fibers reaction-bonded to a matrix containing the elements Si and C. In particular a method of producing fiber-reinforced silicon carbide is provided in which a structure of a matrix contains cracks and/or pores, at least at ambient temperature, because of a high thermal expansion coefficient compared with that of the fibers. Metals are selectively electrodeposited in the open pores and cracks of the matrix and, in particular, in a region of the electrically conductive reinforcing fibers. As a result, the open pores and cracks are filled and, in addition, metallic top layers are optionally formed that are firmly keyed to the ceramic composite and that may serve as an interlayer for glass top layers or ceramic top layers.

Abstract: Novel methods and compositions for coating target surfaces with non-entangled multi-wall carbon nanotubes are disclosed. In one aspect, the methods and compositions of the invention comprise dispersion of non-entangled multi-wall carbon nanotubes in solvent, and application of the non-entangled multi-wall carbon nanotube/solvent mixture to a surface by spraying. In another aspect, the methods and compositions of the invention comprise dispersion of non-entangled multi-wall carbon nanotubes in solvent, and applying the nanotube/solvent mixture to a suitable matrix by spraying to form a surface coating which is substantially contiguous with the surface of the matrix. The compositions of the invention are substantially free of metal oxides and sulfur, and do not require harsh oxidative treatments.

Abstract: A new, non-wrapping approach to functionalizing nanotubes, such as carbon nanotubes, in organic and inorganic solvents is provided. In accordance with certain embodiments, carbon nanotube surfaces are functionalized in a non-wrapping fashion by functional conjugated polymers that include functional groups. Various embodiments provide polymers that noncovalently bond with carbon nanotubes in a non-wrapping fashion. For example, various embodiments of polymers are provided that comprise a relatively rigid backbone that is suitable for noncovalently bonding with a carbon nanotube substantially along the nanotube's length, as opposed to about its diameter. In preferred polymers, the major interaction between the polymer backbone and the nanotube surface is parallel ?-stacking. In certain implementations, the polymers further comprise at least one functional extension from the backbone that are any of various desired functional groups for functionalizing a carbon nanotube.

Abstract: Methods of aligning single walled carbon nanotube structures into selected orientations for a variety of different applications are achieved by initially dispersing the nanotube structures in aqueous solutions utilizing a suitable dispersal agent. The dispersal agent coats each individual nanotube structure in solution. The dispersal agent may be substituted with a suitable functional group that reacts with a corresponding binding site. Dispersed nanotube structures coated with substituted dispersal agents are exposed to a selected array of binding sites such that the nanotubes align with the binding sites due to the binding of the substituted functional groups with such binding sites. Alternatively, crystalline nanotube material is formed upon deposition of dispersed nanotube structures within solution into channels disposed on the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A protective coating for a carbon-containing component comprises a material selected from the group consisting of non-stoichiometric silicon and carbon; non-stoichiometric silicon and oxygen; non-stoichiometric silicon and nitrogen; compounds of silicon, oxygen, and carbon; compounds of silicon, oxygen and nitrogen; compounds of silicon, nitrogen, and carbon; and silicon.

Abstract: In general, this invention relates to a ceramic composite exhibiting enhanced toughness and decreased brittleness, and to a process of preparing the ceramic composite. The ceramic composite comprises a first matrix that includes a first ceramic material, preferably selected from the group including alumina (Al2O3), mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2), yttrium aluminate garnet (YAG), yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ), celsian (BaAl2Si2O8) and nickel aluminate (NiAl2O4). The ceramic composite also includes a porous interphase region that includes a substantially non-sinterable material. The non-sinterable material can be selected to include, for example, alumina platelets. The platelets lie in random 3-D orientation and provide a debonding mechanism, which is independent of temperature in chemically compatible matrices. The non-sinterable material induces constrained sintering of a ceramic powder resulting in permanent porosity in the interphase region.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a composition comprising: a composition formed by heating to a temperature of from about 300° C.

Abstract: A liner system suitable for use in personal care absorbent products having a composite material including a substructure applied to a first layer. The first layer and the substructure define a plurality of voids for accommodating passage of fluids through the composite material. In one embodiment, high viscosity fluids including the particles contained therein pass through a plurality of apertures in the first layer. The voids defined by the first layer and the substructure entrap the particles to accommodate passage of fluids through the composite material.

Abstract: A power transmission belt having a body with a length, a width, an inside, and an outside. The body includes a rubber composition. The body further has a plurality of short fibers in the rubber composition. The plurality of short fibers may include a plurality of poly-p-phenylene benzobisoxazole fibers.

Abstract: An electroconductive resin composition, which comprises a thermosetting resin as a matrix and 40 to 90% by weight, on the basis of the composition, of carbon fibers and graphite as fillers, has a high electroconductivity and is suitable for use as a molding material for fuel cell separators. By using a molding material comprising phenol resin as a matrix and at least one kind of carbon fibers and graphite being coated by an electroconductive metal and molding fuel cell separators from the molding material, followed by post-curing at 130 to 300° C., fuel cell separators with a stable power generation capacity can be obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high modulus macroscopic fiber comprising single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and an acrylonitrile-containing polymer. In one embodiment, the macroscopic fiber is a drawn fiber having a cross-sectional dimension of at least 1 micron. In another embodiment, the acrylonitrile polymer-SWNT composite fiber is made by dispersing SWNT in a solvent, such as dimethyl formamide or dimethyl acetamide, admixing an acrylonitrile-based polymer to form a generally optically homogeneous polyacrylonitrile polymer-SWNT dope, spinning the dope into a fiber, drawing and drying the fiber. Polyacrylonitrile/SWNT composite macroscopic fibers have substantially higher modulus and reduced shrinkage versus a polymer fiber without SWNT. A polyacrylonitrile/SWNT fiber containing 10 wt % SWNT showed over 100% increase in tensile modulus and significantly reduced thermal shrinkage compared to a control fiber without SWNT.

Abstract: The present invention provides thermal devices, materials and methods for use in transferring heat from heat sources. One embodiment comprises a thermal transfer body that has first and second end portions and includes a thermally anisotropic material that conducts more thermal energy in a longitudinal direction than in a direction transverse thereto, wherein at least one of the first and second end portions includes a projection having a surface area oriented obliquely to the longitudinal direction. Multiple projections may be provided of various geometries, such as pyramids, cones, triangular prismoids and domes. The thermally anisotropic material may include an ensemble of longitudinally thermally conductive fibers, such as carbon fibers derived from precursors such as petroleum or coal pitch, which may be embedded in a support matrix of various materials.

Abstract: A fine carbon fiber, the main body of each fiber filament of the fiber having an outer diameter of about 1 to about 500 nm and an aspect ratio of about 10 to about 15,000 and comprising a hollow space extending along its center axis and a multi-layer sheath structure consisting of a plurality of carbon layers, the layers forming concentric rings, wherein the fiber filament has a nodular portion which is formed of outwardly protruding carbon layers or formed of a locally increased number of carbon layers. A similar fine carbon fiber, in which the fiber filament has repeatedly enlarged protruding portions and the filament diameter varies along with the length of the filament, the ratio of the diameter (d?) of a fiber filament of the fiber as measured at the outwardly enlarged portions to the diameter (d) of a fiber filament of the fiber as measured at a position at which no outwardly enlarged portions is present; i.e., d?/d, being about 1.05 to about 3, is also provided.