Including Free Carbon Or Carbide Or Therewith (not As Steel) Patents (Class 428/367)
  • Patent number: 8697026
    Abstract: Provided is a method of electrophoresis of carbon nanotube for separating them into metallic carbon nanotubes and semiconducting carbon nanotubes, and the method comprises a step of electrifying a carbon nanotube sealed gel in which carbon nanotubes are dispersed in a gel. According to the separation method, metallic CNT and semiconducting CNT may be efficiently and heavily separated and purified from each other in CNT containing both the two within a short period of time and in a simplified manner by the use of inexpensive facilities and according to a simple process, and the method can be readily scaled up, in which CNT can be separated industrially extremely advantageously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventors: Takeshi Tanaka, Hiromichi Kataura, Hehua Jin, Yasumitsu Miyata
  • Publication number: 20140099493
    Abstract: A carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate adhered to the carbon nanostructure can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. Carbon nanostructures can be agglomerated with one another and densified to form a carbon nanostructure layer in which at least a portion of the carbon nanotubes in each carbon nanostructure are aligned substantially parallel to one another. Methods for forming a carbon nanostructure layer can include providing a plurality of carbon nanostructures that are free of a growth substrate adhered to each carbon nanostructure, and forming a carbon nanostructure layer by depositing the carbon nanostructures on a surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED NANOSTRUCTURED SOLUTIONS, LLC
    Inventors: Han LIU, Tushar K. Shah, Jess Michael Goldfinger
  • Publication number: 20140093729
    Abstract: The reinforcing cord of the present invention includes at least one strand. The strand includes a bundle of filaments that are bundled and twisted together in one direction, and a coating layer that is formed on at least the surface of the bundle. The bundle consists essentially of carbon fiber filaments. The coating layer is a coating layer that is formed from an aqueous treatment agent containing a rubber latex and a crosslinking agent as essential components and a filler as an optional component. In the aqueous treatment agent, the total of the mass of the crosslinking agent and the mass of the filler is in a range of 1 to 50% of the mass of rubber in the rubber latex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: NIPPON SHEET GLASS COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventor: Masamori Furusawa
  • Publication number: 20140093728
    Abstract: A carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include a plurality of carbon nanotubes that are branched, crosslinked, and share common walls with one another. The carbon nanostructure can be released from a growth substrate in the form of a flake material. Optionally, the carbon nanotubes of the carbon nanostructure can be coated, such as with a polymer, or a filler material can be present within the porosity of the carbon nanostructure. Methods for forming a carbon nanostructure that is free of a growth substrate can include providing a carbon nanostructure adhered to a growth substrate, and removing the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate to form a carbon nanostructure that is free of the growth substrate. Various techniques can be used to affect removal of the carbon nanostructure from the growth substrate. Isolation of the carbon nanostructure can further employ various wet and/or dry separation techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Applied Nanostructured Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Tushar K. SHAH, Harry Charles Malecki, Rajneeta Rachel Basantkumar, Han Liu, Corey Adam Fleischer, Joseph J. Sedlak, Jigar M. Patel, William Patrick Burgess, Jess Michael Goldfinger
  • Publication number: 20140084219
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention pertains to carbon nanotube fibers that include one or more fiber threads. In some embodiments, the fiber threads include doped multi-walled carbon nanotubes, such as doped double-walled carbon nanotubes. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotubes are functionalized with one or more functional groups. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers are doped with various dopants, such as iodine and antimony pentafluoride. In various embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers of the present invention can include a plurality of intertwined fiber threads that are twisted in a parallel configuration with one another. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers include a plurality of fiber threads that are tied to one another in a serial configuration. In some embodiments, the carbon nanotube fibers of the present invention are also coated with one or more polymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Yao Zhao, Jinquan Wei, Padraig G. Moloney, Pulickel M. Ajayan, Enrique V. Barrera
  • Publication number: 20140087184
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for the synthesis of multi-walled carbon nanotube having high apparent density in a manner of high yield. More particularly, this invention relates to a multi-component metal catalyst composition comprising i) main catalyst of Fe and Mo, ii) inactive support of Al and iii) optional co-catalyst at least one selected from Co, Ni, Ti, Mn, W, Sn or Cu. Further, the present invention affords multi-walled carbon nanotube having 5˜15 nm of fibrous diameter and 0.5˜4 ?m bundle diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventors: Sang Kyu CHOI, Sang Hyo RYU, Ho Soo HWANG, Chung Heon JEONG, Dong Hoon OH, Yeon Ja LEE, Youngchan JANG
  • Patent number: 8679626
    Abstract: Provided are a carbon fiber including a carbon fiber core coated with a metal oxide film, and a light-emitting device including the carbon fiber. A method of manufacturing the carbon fiber is disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jeong-na Heo, Yong-chul Kim, Ha-jin Kim
  • Publication number: 20140079921
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for fabricating pyrolysed carbon nanostructures. An example method includes providing a substrate, depositing a polymeric material, subjecting the polymeric material to a plasma etching process to form polymeric nanostructures, and pyrolysing the polymeric nanostructures to form carbon nanostructures. The polymeric material comprises either compounds with different plasma etch rates or compounds that can mask a plasma etching process. The plasma etching process may be an oxygen plasma etching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicants: KATHOLIEKE UNIVERSITEIT LEUVEN, KU LEUVEN R&D, IMEC
    Inventor: Michael De Volder
  • Patent number: 8673258
    Abstract: Techniques for manufacturing an enhanced carbon nanotube (CNT) assembly are provided. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing an enhanced CNT assembly comprises preparing a metal tip, preparing a CNT plus transition-metal colloidal solution, forming a CNT plus transition-metal composite assembly by using the prepared metal tip and CNT plus transition-metal colloidal solution, and growing the CNT plus transition-metal composite assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: SNU R&DB Foundation
    Inventors: Yong Hyup Kim, Eui Yun Jang
  • Patent number: 8673807
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst composition for the synthesis of thin multi-walled carbon nanotube(MWCNT). More particularly, this invention relates to a multi-component metal catalyst composition comprising i) main catalyst of Co and Al, ii) inactive support of Mg and iii) optional co-catalyst at least one selected from Ni, Cr, Mn, Mo, W, Pb, Ti, Sn, or Cu. Further, the present invention affords thin multi-walled carbon nanotube having 5˜20 nm of diameter and 100˜10,000 of aspect ratio in a high yield.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Korea Kumho Petrochemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Hyo Ryu, Wan Sung Lee, Youngchan Jang
  • Patent number: 8674045
    Abstract: A carbon fiber precursor fiber having a weight average molecular weight Mw(F) of 200,000 to 700,000 and a degree of polydispersity MZ(F)/Mw(F), wherein MZ(F) indicates Z-average molecular weight of the fiber, of 2 to 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Toray Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Fumihiko Tanaka, Makoto Endo
  • Publication number: 20140060409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a reinforcing textile thread (82) for an inflatable sail, such as a rigging sail or a flight sail, including a plurality of filaments which are agglutinated so as to form an elongate unitary body (820), and a binder (822) which ensures the cohesion among at least some of the filaments (821) of the unitary body (820), and which consists of a coating material. In order to guarantee an effective, directed reinforcement effect within an inflatable sail without limiting the lifespan of said sail, the unitary body has, in the cross-section thereof, an oblong outline, wherein the ratio of the maximum width (e) of said outline, which corresponds to a thickness of the unitary body, to the maximum length (l) of said outline, which corresponds to a width of the unitary body, is less than 0.06, a plurality of filaments (821) being arranged in series over the thickness of the unitary body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: PORCHER INDUSTRIES
    Inventors: Laurence Pollet, Cécile Roibert, Sébastien Feraudet
  • Publication number: 20140044963
    Abstract: A vapor-grown graphite fibers (VGGF) composition and a mixture containing the VGGF composition and applications thereof are provided. The VGGF composition includes a carbon ingredient containing a carbon content of at least 99.9 wt %. The carbon ingredient has a graphitization degree of at least 75%, and the carbon ingredient includes non-fibrous carbon and fibrous VGGF, wherein an area ratio of the non-fibrous carbon to the fibrous VGGF measured by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is about equal to or smaller than 5%. The fibrous VGGF include graphite fibers having a 3-D linkage structure, wherein the content of the graphite fibers having the 3-D linkage structure in the fibrous VGGF measured by the SEM is about between 5 area % and 50 area %. The VGGF composition and its mixture are applied to the composite materials, thereby promoting the strength, electric and thermal conductivity of the composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: YONGYU APPLIED TECHNOLOGY MATERIAL CO., LTD
    Inventors: Chun-Shan WANG, Teng-Hui WANG
  • Publication number: 20140038042
    Abstract: A composite Si-carbon fiber comprising a carbon matrix material with 1-90 wt % silicon embedded therein. The composite carbon fibers are incorporated into electrodes for batteries. The battery can be a lithium ion battery. A method of making an electrode incorporating composite Si-carbon fibers is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2013
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Inventors: Orlando RIOS, Claus DANIEL, Wyatt Evan TENHAEFF, Surendra K. MARTHA
  • Patent number: 8642167
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous, carbon fiber with nanoscale features comprising carbon and carbon nanotubes, wherein the nanotubes are substantially aligned along a longitudinal axis of the fiber. Also provided is a polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor including about 50% to about 99.9% by weight of a melt-spinnable PAN and about 0.01% to about 10% of carbon nanotubes. Other precursor materials such as polyphenylene sulfide, pitch and solution-spinnable PAN are also provided. The precursor can also include a fugitive polymer which is dissociable from the precursor polymer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventor: Thomas Karl Tsotsis
  • Publication number: 20140023513
    Abstract: An agglomerated particle cloud network coated fiber bundle containing a bundle of fibers and an agglomerated particle cloud network. The bundle of fibers contains a plurality of fibers and void space between the fibers. The agglomerated particle cloud network contains a plurality of agglomerated nanoparticles located in at least a portion of the void space in the bundle of fibers. The agglomerated nanoparticles form bridges between adjacent fibers. Between 10 and 100% by number of fibers contain bridges to one or more adjacent fibers within the agglomerated particle cloud network coated fiber bundle. The agglomerated nanoparticles form between about 1 and 60% of the effective cross-sectional area of the agglomerated particle cloud network coated fiber bundle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Ryan W. Johnson, Xin Li, Paul J. Wesson, Padmakumar Puthillath, Philip T. Wilson
  • Patent number: 8629076
    Abstract: A metal oxide-carbon composite includes a carbon aerogel with an oxide overcoat. The metal oxide-carbon composite is made by providing a carbon aerogel, immersing the carbon aerogel in a metal oxide sol under a vacuum, raising the carbon aerogel with the metal oxide sol to atmospheric pressure, curing the carbon aerogel with the metal oxide sol at room temperature, and drying the carbon aerogel with the metal oxide sol to produce the metal oxide-carbon composite. The step of providing a carbon aerogel can provide an activated carbon aerogel or provide a carbon aerogel with carbon nanotubes that make the carbon aerogel mechanically robust. Carbon aerogels can be coated with sol-gel silica and the silica can be converted to silicon carbide, improving the thermal stability of the carbon aerogel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Marcus A. Worsley, Joshua D. Kuntz, Theodore F. Baumann, Joe H. Satcher, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140011092
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide composite carbon fibers in which multiwalled carbon nanotubes are homogeneously dispersed between graphitized carbon nanofibers and near the surface of the graphitized carbon nanofibers, the composite carbon fibers being capable of easily being dispersed in a matrix such as resin without leaving aggregates, and also imparting low resistance. Disclosed are composite carbon fibers comprising multiwalled carbon nanotubes having a fiber diameter of 5 nm or more and 30 nm or less and graphitized carbon nanofibers having a fiber diameter of 50 nm or more and 300 nm or less, wherein the multiwalled carbon nanotubes are homogeneously dispersed between the graphitized carbon nanofibers and near the surface of the graphitized carbon nanofibers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: Showa Denko K.K
    Inventors: Ryuji YAMAMOTO, Takeshi NAKAMURA
  • Publication number: 20140011027
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a graphene conjugate fiber and a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a conjugate fiber including graphene and a polymer, wherein a wrinkled structure of the graphene is maintained in a fiber state. The graphene conjugate fiber manufactured thereby has superior mechanical properties, is flexible, and has high utility by being manufactured as a fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 9, 2014
    Applicant: IUCF-HYU (INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY CORPERATION FOUNDATI ON HANYANG UNIVERSITY)
    Inventors: Seon Jeong Kim, Min Kyoon Shin, Shi Hyeong Kim
  • Publication number: 20140004344
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a graphene fiber and a graphene fiber manufactured thereby, comprising the following steps: a) preparing a dispersion liquid by dispersing graphene with a surfactant in a solvent; b) preparing a composite fiber by mixing the dispersion liquid with a polymer solution, wet spinning and drying same; and c) removing polymers by heat-treating or treating the composite fiber with strong acid. The graphene fiber manufactured by the method has superior electric and mechanical properties, is flexible, and can be utilized as a storage medium for energy, hydrogen, etc. due to porosity from having a wrinkled structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: IUCF-HYU (INDUSTRY-UNIVERSITY COOPERATION FOUNDATION HANYANG UNIVERSITY)
    Inventors: Seon Jeong Kim, Min Kyoon Shin, Shi Hyeong Kim
  • Publication number: 20130337257
    Abstract: A self-assembled carbon structure such as a carbon opal is disclosed herein. The structure is composed of hydrophilic carbon spheres oriented in a periodic colloidal crystal structure, wherein the carbon spheres have a porous surface, wherein the carbons spheres have an average particle diameter less than 3000 nm. Also disclosed is an inverse opal structure that includes a plurality of voids in the structural material. The voids are regularly arranged in an ordered periodic structure, the voids having a spherical shape. The inverse opal structure has a specific surface area greater than 100 m2/g and method for making the same together with materials that employ the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicants: The Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Illinois, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.
    Inventors: KAZUHISA YANO, MATTHEW DAVE GOODMAN, PAUL VANNEST BRAUN
  • Publication number: 20130337215
    Abstract: A used component, such as an engine block or engine head, has at least one dimension that does not match a dimensional specification for the component. A thermal spray coating of FeAlSiC is applied to build up the dimension. The excess coating is milled off so that the body and coating have a second shape that matches the dimensional specification for the component. The coating has an ordered DO3 crystal structure with a stable aluminum oxide scale that produces oxidation resistance at about 700° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: CATERPILLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Robert Eugene Sharp, Kegan Jon Luick, M. Brad Beardsley, Kristin Ann Schipull, Daniel Joseph Sordelet, Jarrod David Moss, Mark David Veliz
  • Publication number: 20130330551
    Abstract: The invention is directed to carbon fibers having high tensile strength and modulus of elasticity. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for making the carbon fibers. The method comprises advancing a precursor fiber through an oxidation oven wherein the fiber is subjected to controlled stretching in an oxidizing atmosphere in which tension loads are distributed amongst a plurality of passes through the oxidation oven, which permits higher cumulative stretches to be achieved. The method also includes subjecting the fiber to controlled stretching in two or more of the passes that is sufficient to cause the fiber to undergo one or more transitions in each of the two or more passes. The invention is also directed to an oxidation oven having a plurality of cooperating drive rolls in series that can be driven independently of each other so that the amount of stretch applied to the oven in each of the plurality of passes can be independently controlled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Applicant: Hexcel Corporation
    Inventor: Carlos A. León y León
  • Patent number: 8602765
    Abstract: An apparatus for making a carbon nanotube yarn includes a tube and a bobbin. The tube has an opening capable of introducing organic solvent into the tube. The tube further has an inlet and an outlet defined through lateral walls thereof. The inlet is capable of accepting one or more carbon nanotube yarn strings and the outlet is capable of accepting the carbon nanotube yarn. The bobbin is positioned around the tube for collecting the carbon nanotube yarn as it comes out of the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kai-Li Jiang, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20130323494
    Abstract: Methods for producing a transition-metal-coated carbon material having a transition metal coating which has a high adhesion strength between the transition metal and the carbon material, and which is neither exfoliated nor detached in subsequent processing are provided. The transition-metal-coated carbon material may be obtained by adhering a compound containing transition metal ions onto a surface of a carbon material and by reducing the transition metal ions with carbon in the carbon material by a heat treatment, thereby to form elemental transition metal. Here, the transition metal is Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Cu or Zn. Moreover, also provided is a carbon-metal composite material exhibiting an excellent mechanical strength and thermal conductivity, by improving affinity with a metal such as aluminium by use of the transition-metal-coated carbon material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Applicant: Shimane Prefectural Government
    Inventors: Toshiyuki UENO, Katsumi YOSHINO
  • Publication number: 20130316172
    Abstract: A method using of electrostatic spraying or dispersing processes and techniques for depositing a particulate material onto the outside surfaces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and CNT elongates consisting of the CNTs. The particulate material can include either or both particles and droplets, and the material can be an element, compound or composition, including polymers and thermoplastics. The particulate material is dispersed and induced with a static charge, while the CNT elongate is grounded.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL NANO LLC
    Inventors: Vesselin N. Shanov, Mark J. Schulz, Gary Martin Conroy
  • Patent number: 8591858
    Abstract: Methods and processes for synthesizing high quality carbon single-walled nanotubes (SWNTs) are provided. The method provides the means for optimization of amount of carbon precursor and transport gas per unit weight of catalyst. In certain aspects, methods are provided wherein a supported metal catalyst is contacted with a carbon precursor gas at about one atmosphere pressure, wherein SWNTs are synthesized at a growth rate of about 0.002 ?m/sec to about 0.003 ?m/sec and the SWNTs have a ratio of G-band to D-band in Raman spectra (IG:ID) of greater than about 4. Efficiencies of about 20% can be achieved when contacting the catalyst deposited on a support with a carbon precursor gas with a flow rates of about 4.2×10?3 mol CH4/sec·g (Fe) at 780° C. Hydrocarbon flow rates of about 1.7 10?2 mol CH4/sec·g (Fe) and higher result in faster carbon SWNTs growth with improved quality. Slower rates of carbon atoms supply (˜4.5×1020 C atoms/s·g Fe or 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Avetik R. Harutyunyan, Elena Mora
  • Publication number: 20130309491
    Abstract: A milled carbon fiber is made of a carbon fiber, which is coated with a sizing at an amount X between 0.05 and 0.30 weight %. The sizing is formed of a heat resistant polymer or a precursor of the heat resistant polymer. The amount X of the sizing is expressed with a following formula: X = w o - w 1 w o × 100 where W0 is the weight of the carbon fiber with the sizing, and W1 is the weight of the carbon fiber without the sizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventors: Satoshi SEIKE, Makoto Kibayashi, Anand Valliyur Rau
  • Publication number: 20130309484
    Abstract: The invention provides nanostructure composite porous silicon and carbon materials, and also provides carbon nanofiber arrays having a photonic response in the form of films or particles. Composite materials or carbon nanofiber arrays of the invention are produced by a templating method of the invention, and the resultant nanomaterials have a predetermined photonic response determined by the pattern in the porous silicon template, which is determined by etching conditions for forming the porous silicon. Example nanostructures include rugate filters, single layer structures and double layer structures. In a preferred method of the invention, a carbon precursor is introduced into the pores of a porous silicon film. Carbon is then formed from the carbon precursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OFCALIFORNIA
    Inventors: Michael J. Sailor, Timothy Kelly
  • Patent number: 8585795
    Abstract: In accordance with the invention there are devices and processes for making ceramic nanofiber mats and ceramic filters for use in high temperature and in corrosive environments. The process for forming a ceramic filter can include electrospinning a preceramic polymer solution into a preceramic polymer fiber having a diameter from about 10 nm to about 1 micron and forming a preceramic polymer fiber web from the preceramic polymer fiber onto a collector. The process can also include pyrolyzing the preceramic polymer fiber web to form a ceramic nanofiber mat having a diameter less than the diameter of the preceramic polymer fiber, the ceramic nanofiber mat comprising one or more of an oxide ceramic and a non-oxide ceramic such that the ceramic fiber mat can withstand temperature greater than about 1000 ° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Univesity of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Wolfgang M. Sigmund, Vasana Maneeratana, Paolo Colombo, Chang-Yu Wu, Hyoungjun Park, Qi Zhang
  • Patent number: 8585864
    Abstract: Flame retardant composite materials are provided which include at least one first paper which comprises carbon nanofibers and graphite oxide particles. The composite materials may further include at least one second paper which comprises carbon nanofibers. The composites may further include one or more structural material layers sandwiched between the first and second papers. Occupant structures are also provided with fire and smoke retardant surfaces composed of carbon nanofibers/graphite oxide particles papers at least partially surrounding occupants of the occupant structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Chuck Zhang, Zhiyong Liang, Ben Wang, Qiang Wu
  • Publication number: 20130302604
    Abstract: A composite prepreg yarn designed and constructed is a very large, strong yarn with resin infused throughout, which can be used to prepare composite preforms via conventional Maypole braiding or other textile processes. The invention increases the loads that can be transmitted by the cured yarn in a composite structure, decreases the stickiness that can prevent their use in braiding and other textile processes, provides protection to the high-strength fibers from abrasion that is encountered during and after composite preform manufacturing via braiding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: David J. BRANSCOMB, Roy M. BROUGHTON, JR., David G. BEALE
  • Patent number: 8580418
    Abstract: Fibrous materials composed of activated carbon fibers and methods for their preparation are described. Electrodes comprising the fibrous materials are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: NanoCarbons LLC
    Inventor: Rudyard Istvan
  • Patent number: 8574315
    Abstract: The present invention relates to structures that contain one or more fiber and/or nanofiber structures where such structures can be formed on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.). In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for forming one or more fibers, nanofibers or structures made therefrom on a wide variety of structures or surfaces (e.g., asperities, flat surfaces, angled surface, hierarchical structures, etc.) where such fibers and/or structures are designed to sequester, carry and/or encapsulate one or more substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: The University of Akron
    Inventors: Darrell Reneker, Tao Han, Daniel Smith, Camden Ertley, Joseph W. Reneker
  • Publication number: 20130287976
    Abstract: An elongated metallic structural member having anisotropic flexural stiffness characteristics which can be conveniently produced, is disclosed. Anisotropic bending behavior is achieved by directionally controlling, at least in part, the composition and/or microstructure. The invention is particularly applicable to articles requiring the bending stiffness in the flexible plane to be much lower than in the stiff plane as desired, among others, in a variety of shafts, tubes and rods used in sporting goods.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Integran Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Gino Palumbo, Klaus Tomantschger
  • Publication number: 20130288839
    Abstract: A process for the production of a yarn is disclosed, the process comprising providing a bundle comprising continuous filaments of a thermoplastic polymer, contacting the bundle with a sliver comprising fibres of a heat resistant material to form a mixed bundle, and applying a gas jet to the mixed bundle to distribute the fibres of the heat resistant material in the bundle. Also disclosed are yarns comprising filaments of a thermoplastic polymer and fibres of a heat resistant material, wherein the fibres are distributed between and among the filaments. Preferably, the heat resistant material is a non-thermoplastic polymer, especially an aramid. Yarns according to the invention find use in technical fabrics especially transmission belts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: Heathcoat Fabrics Limited
    Inventor: Richard Crane
  • Publication number: 20130273363
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a freestanding network of carbon nanofibers. The present invention further relates to a method of fabricating a freestanding network of carbon nanofibers. Carbon nanofibers are synthesized glass microballoons that are self-assembled on a silicon wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventors: Eyassu Woldensenbet, Ephraim Zegeye, Yoonyoung Jin
  • Publication number: 20130266807
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing carbon fibers, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a supported catalyst by allowing a main catalyst element such as Fe, Co and Ni and a co-catalyst element such as Ti, V, Cr, W and Mo to be supported by a particulate carrier such as calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide; synthesizing fibrous carbons by contacting the supported catalyst with a carbon atom-containing material at synthesis reaction temperature; and then heat treating the resulting fibrous carbons at a temperature of 2000° C. or higher, wherein the particulate carrier comprising a substance which undergoes pyrolysis near the synthetic reaction temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicant: SHOWA DENKO K.K.
    Inventor: Eiji Kambara
  • Patent number: 8551897
    Abstract: Provided are inorganic fibers containing calcium and alumina as the major fiber components. According to certain embodiments, the inorganic fibers containing calcia and alumina are provided with a coating of a phosphorous containing compound on at least a portion of the fiber surfaces. Also provided are methods of preparing the coated and non-coated inorganic fibers and of thermally insulating articles using thermal insulation comprising the inorganic fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Unifrax I LLC
    Inventors: Bruce K. Zoitos, Michael J. Andrejcak, Paul M. Boymel
  • Publication number: 20130251619
    Abstract: A method for producing an aggregated thread structure includes (a) a process of dispersing carbon nanotube to a first solvent, which is water or a mixed solvent containing organic solvent and water, with a surfactant, to create a dispersion and (b) a process of injecting the dispersion, in which carbon nanotube is dispersed, to a condensing liquid, which is a second solvent that differs from the first solvent, to thereby aggregate and spin carbon nanotube. The aggregated thread structure containing carbon nanotube has: a bulk density of 0.5 g/cm3 or more; a weight reduction rate up to 450° C. of 50% or less; a G/D ratio for resonance Raman scattering measurement of 10 or more; and an electric conductivity of 50 S/cm or more.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicants: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ADVANCED INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroaki RIKIHISA, Masato TACHIBANA, Michihiro SHIMADA, Kinji ASAKA, Ken MUKAI, Takushi SUGINO
  • Publication number: 20130253096
    Abstract: A carbon fiber is coated with a sizing at an amount X between 0.05 and 0.30 weight %. The sizing is formed of a heat resistant polymer or a precursor of the heat resistant polymer. The amount X of the sizing is expressed with a following formula: X = w 0 - w 2 w 0 × 100 where W0 is a weight of the carbon fiber with the sizing, and W1 is a weight of the carbon fiber without the sizing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: TORAY CARBON FIBERS AMERICA, INC.
    Inventors: Makoto KIBAYASHI, Satoshi SEIKE, Lawrence A PRANGER
  • Publication number: 20130239503
    Abstract: Reinforcement bars for concrete structures, comprising continuous, parallel fibers, made of basalt, carbon, glass fiber, or the like, embedded in a cured matrix, each bar being made of at least one fiber bundle comprising a number of parallel, cylindrical cross section fibers and said bars being provided with a surface shape and/or texture which contributes to good bonding with the concrete. Part of the surface of each bar being deformed prior to or during the curing by: a) strings of an elastic or inelastic, and/or b) at least one deformed section of each reinforcement bar; thereby producing a roughened surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Leonard W. Miller, Per Cato Standal
  • Patent number: 8535381
    Abstract: There is disclosed a gold surface for the catalytic release of hydrogen from an alkane thiol. More specifically, the present disclosure provides a large surface area of gold on a carbon fiber scaffold that does not contain any sublayers of metals that can block the catalytic release of hydrogen from alkane thiols or form other reactions that remove the sulfur moiety from alkane thiol. There is further disclosed a method for forming a gold surface onto woven carbon fiber sheets wherein no sublayer or other intermediate material is used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Asemblon, Inc.
    Inventors: David O'Connor, Robert Nelson
  • Publication number: 20130224470
    Abstract: A functionalized carbon fiber having covalently bound on its surface a partially cured epoxy or amine-containing sizing agent, wherein at least a portion of epoxide or amine groups in the sizing agent are available as uncrosslinked epoxide or amine groups, which corresponds to a curing degree of epoxide or amine groups of no more than about 0.6. Composites comprised of these functionalized carbon fibers embedded in a polymeric matrix are also described. Methods for producing the functionalized carbon fibers and composites thereof are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Frederic Vautard, Soydan Ozcan, Felix Leonard Paulauskas
  • Publication number: 20130224483
    Abstract: The present invention provides CNT, in particular CNT having inherent properties thereof, which has a thin wall and does not form a bundle, and an efficient production method of the CNT. The method is for producing CNT, the whole length or a part thereof is compressed to form a band, said method comprises preparing a powdery and/or particulate material of an organic compound pre-baked to an extent of containing remaining hydrogen and allowed to carry a catalyst, which may be a transition metal, other metal or other element, thereon; charging the powdery and/or particulate material of the organic compound in a closed vessel made of a heat resistant material; and subjecting the powdery and/or particulate material of the organic compound together with the vessel to hot isostatic pressing treatment using a compressed gas atmosphere, wherein a maximum ultimate temperature at the hot isostatic pressing treatment is 750 to 1200° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: INCUBATION ALLIANCE, INC
    Inventor: Kazuo Muramatsu
  • Publication number: 20130216828
    Abstract: A thermally and electrically conductive structure comprises a carbon nanotube (110) having an outer surface (111) and a carbon coating (120) covering at least a portion of the outer surface of the carbon nanotube. The carbon coating may be applied to the carbon nanotube by providing a nitrile-containing polymer, coating the carbon nanotube with the nitrile-containing polymer, and pyrolyzing the nitrile-containing polymer in order to form the carbon coating on the carbon nanotube. The carbon nanotube may further be coated with a low contact resistance layer (130) exterior to the carbon coating and a metal layer (140) exterior to the low contact resistance layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventors: Linda Shekhawat, Nachiket Raravikar
  • Patent number: 8501146
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing hollow carbon fibers having an empty space in the cross section thereof. More specifically, the disclosed method includes melt-spinning an acrylonitrile-based polymer by using a supercritical fluid as a plasticizer; drawing spun fibers to prepare hollow precursor fibers; and stabilizing and carbonizing the hollow precursor fibers to prepare the hollow carbon fibers. The hollow carbon fibers obtained by the disclosed method have at least a 10 to 50% lower specific gravity than conventional hollow carbon fibers (solid), but have similar mechanical properties to the conventional fibers. Furthermore, the diameter of carbon fibers can be adjusted, thereby making it possible to widen the application of hollow carbon fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Young-Ho Choi, Do Suck Han, Chi-Hoon Choi
  • Publication number: 20130196156
    Abstract: The polymerisation of material contained within and/or added to high temperature reactor produced carbon nanotube fibre wherein the contained material is crosslinked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: CAMBRIDGE ENTERPRISE LIMITED
    Inventors: Krzysztof Koziol, Slawomir Boncel, Alan Windle, Rajyashree Sundaram
  • Publication number: 20130196155
    Abstract: A method for surface treating a carbon-containing material in which carbon-containing material is reacted with decomposing ozone in a reactor (e.g., a hollow tube reactor), wherein a concentration of ozone is maintained throughout the reactor by appropriate selection of at least processing temperature, gas stream flow rate, reactor dimensions, ozone concentration entering the reactor, and position of one or more ozone inlets (ports) in the reactor, wherein the method produces a surface-oxidized carbon or carbon-containing material, preferably having a surface atomic oxygen content of at least 15%. The resulting surface-oxidized carbon material and solid composites made therefrom are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: UT-Battelle, LLC
    Inventors: Felix Leonard Paulauskas, Soydan Ozcan, Amit K. Naskar
  • Publication number: 20130189637
    Abstract: A combined graphite tube is combined by stacking a plurality of graphite short-tubes together, where each graphite short-tube includes a upper coupling portion and a lower coupling portion, the upper coupling portion is positioned on a top face of a upper side of the graphite short-tube; and the lower coupling portion is positioned on a bottom face of a lower side of the graphite short-tube, and corresponds to the upper coupling portion, allowing the upper coupling portion of each graphite short-tube to be propped against the lower coupling portion of another graphite short-tube; the graphite short-tubes are fused and coupled together by means of a sintering treatment after the graphite short-tubes are stacked together. Whereby, the combined graphite tube of the present invention may be utilized in silicon smelting, and may be coupled to an enough length of graphite tube depending on requirements or derive a graphite crucible, capable of improving silicon smelting efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: SUN POWER SILICON CO., LTD.
    Inventor: SUN POWER SILICON CO., LTD.