Abstract: Provided are semi -interpenetrating optically clear adhesives, methods of use, and methods of manufacture. An example semi-interpenetrating optically clear adhesive comprises a transparent polymer network comprised of at least two or more interpenetrating polymer networks, wherein at least one polymer network is a thermoset material and at least one other polymer network is a thermoplastic material, yielding an optically clear adhesive with a transparency above 80% and an elastic toughness above 1 MJ/m3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to elastomer compositions comprising adducts between compounds of formula (I) preferably derived from natural sources such as mucic, pyromucic, glucaric, glycaric, galactaric, muconic acid and/or linear derivatives thereof containing ester or amide groups and/or cyclic derivatives thereof with heteroatoms in the ring, such as oxygen or nitrogen, and carbon allotropes in which the carbon is sp2 hybridized, such as for example carbon nanotubes, graphene or nanographites, carbon black.

Abstract: Various apparatuses, systems, methods, and media are disclosed to provide a heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR) medium that includes a sacrificial layer and corresponding etching processes to minimize head to media spacing. The medium may include the sacrificial layer and a capping layer where each of the layers is etched to reduce roughness. The sacrificial layer is configured to ensure an etch rate that allows for selective etching and may be deposited on the capping layer and after etching, may remain along grain boundaries of the capping layer. The remaining portions of the sacrificial layer may form a discontinuous layer, including layer segments positioned along grain boundaries of the capping layer. The sacrificial layer may be made of non-magnetic materials different from the materials of the capping layer or materials of an overcoat layer deposited on the etched capping layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluorescent diamond containing an MV center emitting fluorescence at a concentration of 1×1014/cm3 or higher, where M represents a metal or metalloid, and V represents a vacancy.

Abstract: A curable composition comprising: i) a glycidyl ether of a novolac, comprising or consisting of moieties having the formula (I), wherein —Ra is either always hydrogen or always methyl; —B is either always *—CH2-** or always formula (A); —a fraction of 0.8 to 0.99 of the Y moieties are essentially —O-glycidyl, this fraction being designated as x, and the remainder of the Y moieties, this fraction being designated as (1-x), are divalent bridging spacers of the structure *—O—CH2—CH(OH)—CH2—O—** connecting two moieties according to above formula (I); and—n is a number in the range of 0.1 to 3.0; and wherein said novolac glycidyl ether has an epoxy equivalent weight FEW in the range of 160 to 270 g/eq. and the average number of epoxy groups per molecule of novolac glycidyl ether (I), designated as f, is in the range of 2.1 to 5.0; ii) dicyandiamide; and iii) an urea derivative of the formula (II). This composition is stable upon storage at room temperature and fire-retardant.

Abstract: Oleophilic-hydrophobic-magnetic (OHM) porous materials are provided. In embodiments, an OHM porous material comprises a porous substrate having a solid matrix defining a plurality of pores distributed through the solid matrix, the OHM porous material further comprising a coating of a nanocomposite on surfaces of the solid matrix. The nanocomposite comprises a multilayer stack of a plurality of layers of a two-dimensional, layered material having nucleation sites interleaved between a plurality of layers of magnetic nanoparticles, wherein individual layers of magnetic nanoparticles in the plurality of layers of magnetic nanoparticles are each directly anchored on a surface of a layer of the plurality of layers of the two-dimensional, layered material via the nucleation sites, and are each separated by multiple layers of the plurality of layers of the two-dimensional, layered material. Methods of making and using the OHM porous materials are also provided.

Abstract: A structure of an asymmetric supercapacitor and a preparation method thereof is disclosed. In some implementations, the preparation comprises the steps of forming a polyaniline (PANI) nanowire on carbon cloth (CC) substrate (PANI/CC) by polymerization of an aniline, depositing a cobalt-nickel layer double hydroxides (CoNi-LDHs) on the PANI/CC by a hydrothermal process, and calcining of the cobalt-nickel layer double hydroxides (CoNi-LDHs) in the PANI/CC at a high temperature to form a metal carbide (CoC@NiC) on the carbon cloth. The structure of the asymmetric supercapacitor includes a metal carbide (CoC@NiC) as a positive electrode, a tungsten trioxide (WO3@C) as a negative electrode, and a poly (vinyl alcohol)/Potassium hydroxide (PVA/KOH) as an electrolyte gel.

Abstract: A complex Si—C cathode base units includes a first order Si—C nanoparticle including a plurality of graphene pieces, and a plurality of complex monomers formed by nanometer scale silicide, and first high molecular material. The first high molecular material is used as viscosity for combining the plurality of graphene pieces and the plurality of complex monomers, a plurality of buffer spaces are formed between the plurality of graphene pieces, the complex monomers and the first high molecular material. A second high molecular material layer enclosing the first order SiC nanoparticle, the second high molecular material layer is calcined in a calcination process, so that the carbohydrate therein is carbonized. A plurality of nanometer carbon tubes tightly encloses the second high molecular material layer so that the first order Si—C nanoparticle is difficult to expand. The nanometer carbon tubes have lengths between 15˜25 ?m and are arranged as an array.

Abstract: In a method of forming a diamond film, substrate, or window, a substrate is provided and the diamond film, substrate, or window is CVD grown on a surface of the substrate. The grown diamond film, substrate, or window has a thickness between 150-999 microns and an aspect ratio?100, wherein the aspect ratio is a ratio of a largest dimension of the diamond film, substrate or window divided by a thickness of the diamond film. The substrate can optionally be removed or separated from the grown diamond film, substrate, or window.

Abstract: Systems and methods here may be used for a setup of image capturing of a gemstone, such as a diamond, exposed to different light sources. Some examples utilize a setup that both sends light and captures the image through multiple dichroic beam splitters at pre-selected timing. The multiple light source and multiple dichroic beam splitter arrangement allows for multiple gemstones to be analyzed using multiple methods with minimal moving, changing, or adjusting the equipment for different samples.

Abstract: A composition including 85.00-99.00 wt. % of a single Nylon polymer; 0.25-5.00 wt. % of conductive nanomaterials; 0.25-5.00 wt. % of a dielectric filler comprising an inorganic, non-conductive, non-platelet nanomaterial selected from alumina nanoparticles, alumina nanotubes, aluminum oxide nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, boron nitride nanoparticles, boron nanotubes, fumed silica, fumed alumina, and mixtures of one or more of these; and 0.25-5.00 wt. % of a dispersing agent.

Abstract: A film for a microfluidic device is capable of bonding to a polydimethylsiloxane substrate having flow channels formed in a surface thereof, and also exhibiting stable hydrophilicity even under high temperature and high humidity conditions and having scratch resistance. When the film can be used as a microfluidic device, the film is bonded to a polydimethylsiloxane substrate having flow channels formed in a surface thereof to form a liquid-tight flow channels. The film including a base material and a hydrophilic coating, wherein the hydrophilic coating includes a (meth)acrylic resin and from 65 to 95 mass % of unmodified nanosilica particles based on a total mass of the hydrophilic coating.

Abstract: A metal matrix composite comprising nanotubes; a method of producing the same; and a composition, for example a metal alloy, used in such composites and methods, are disclosed. A method for continuously infiltrating nanotube yarns, tapes or other nanotube preforms with metal alloys using a continuous process or a multistep process, which results in a metal matrix composite wire, cable, tape, sheet, tube, or other continuous shape, and the microstructure of these infiltrated yarns or fibers, are disclosed. The nanotube yarns comprise a multiplicity of spun nanotubes of carbon (CNT), boron nitride (BNNT), boron (BNT), or other types of nanotubes. The element that infiltrates the nanotube yarns or fibers can, for example, be alloyed with a concentration of one or more elements chosen such that the resulting alloy, in its molten state, will exhibit improved wetting of the nanotube material.

Abstract: A method to produce a hard coating onto a substrate, wherein the hard coating comprises a hydrogen-free amorphous carbon coating, wherein the amorphous carbon coating is deposited onto the substrate using a cathodic arc discharge deposition technique, wherein a bias voltage is applied to the substrate with an absolute value that is greater than 0 V, preferably greater than 10 V and less than 1000 V, and wherein the absolute value of the bias voltage is increased during the coating process to obtain a first structure and a second structure and a gradient between the first and the second structure along the coating thickness, wherein the first and the second structure comprise sp2 and sp3 carbon bonds but differ in their relative concentration, wherein at least one coating pause is applied during the coating process in order to reduce the substrate temperature during the coating pause.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic device including a window, a display panel disposed under the window, a support member disposed under the display panel, a cover layer disposed under the support member, and an adhesive layer disposed between the support member and the cover layer. Each of the adhesive layer and the cover layer includes a light shielding material.

Abstract: A method of making a composite matrix via incorporation of CNTs is disclosed. The method comprises: first mixing, with a low shear rate, ingredients comprising CNTs and one or more inorganic surfactants to generate a treated mixture; second mixing ingredients comprising the treated mixture and one or more polymers to generate a composite matrix; and may include curing the composite matrix to obtain a substantially cured composite matrix. The effects arising from individual ingredients and additives in the first and second mixings are studied for various composite matrices.

Abstract: A protein template is added to a solution in which metal ions of iron and copper are dissolved to introduce the metal ions into the protein template; the protein template is separated from metal ions that have not been incorporated in the protein template; the metal ions that have been incorporated in the protein template are reduced to obtain a protein containing alloy nanoparticles of iron and copper; a sol or gel in which a co-continuous body is dispersed is frozen; the frozen sol or gel is dried in a vacuum to obtain a porous body; the porous body is allowed to support the alloy nanoparticle containing protein; and the protein is removed.

Abstract: According to an example, a spark stand assembly for an OES instrument is provided, the spark stand assembly including: a spark stand body that at least partially defines a plasma chamber; an exciter at least partially disposed inside the plasma chamber; and an optical transmission path from the plasma chamber for providing a view to a plasma generated in the plasma chamber, wherein the plasma chamber is provided with an opening for exposing a part of a sample positioned on the opening for excitation from the exciter so as to generate plasma on a surface of the sample upon activation of the exciter, and wherein a coating layer that includes a tribological coating is arranged to cover at least a portion of surfaces of the plasma chamber.

Abstract: A device that includes a piece of armor made from a material that has a domain of plastic deformation under bad before breaking and an elastic deformation domain. The plastic deformation domain represents less than 1% of the elastic deformation domain. The device includes a deformation sensor fixed to the piece of armor and configured to deform plastically under the effect of at least a stress applied to the piece of armor and leading to damage of the piece of armor.

Abstract: A tetrahedral amorphous hydrogenated carbon and amorphous siloxane hybrid diamond-like nanocomposite composition can include: tetrahedral amorphous hydrogenated carbon (ta-C:H); and amorphous siloxane (a-Si:O), wherein the ta-C:H and a-Si:O are in an interpenetrating network. A method of forming a tetrahedral amorphous hydrogenated carbon and amorphous siloxane hybrid diamond-like nanocomposite can include: providing a source of H, C, O, and Si as a liquid precursor; providing evaporated precursor into a vacuum chamber; forming a plasma with an RF plasma generator and/or a thermal plasma generator; and depositing, on a rotating biased substrate, a collimated layer of the tetrahedral amorphous hydrogenated carbon and amorphous siloxane hybrid diamond-like nanocomposite having tetrahedral amorphous hydrogenated carbon (ta-C:H) and amorphous siloxane (a-Si:O), wherein the ta-C:H and a-Si:O are in an interpenetrating network. A RF rotating electrode is also provided.

Abstract: A method for adaptive electrochemical cell management in an energy storage system including a plurality of battery management system (BMS) nodes, the method including (1) obtaining a first signal identifying one or more degradation mechanisms of a first cell assembly of a first BMS node of the plurality of BMS nodes, the first cell assembly including one or more first electrochemical cells, and (2) controlling a first BMS node controller of the first BMS node in response to the first signal, to change a state of operation of the first cell assembly to mitigate the one or more degradation mechanisms of the first cell assembly, independently of operation of a second BMS node of the plurality of BMS nodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally provides an oscillating heat pipe, wherein the oscillating heat pipe comprises a 3-phase working fluid that includes at least one liquid phase portion, at least one vapor phase portion, and at least one solid phase portion, wherein in addition to a phase change between liquid and vapor, there is also a phase change from solid to liquid during a heat transfer process involving the oscillating heat pipe.

Abstract: This invention provides an innovative method to manufacture graphene layers or quantities and graphene oxide layers or quantities from graphite, coal slags, asphalt, and other carbon-rich sold materials in nature. The present invention uses controllable microwave irradiation to heat the mixtures of basic material, graphite, or coal slags, or asphalt, or their combinations with ionic liquids and surfactant plus environmentally friendly oxidation agents. This invention can generate the said-products of graphene layers and graphene oxides in a short time period of one second to 300 seconds. The present invention does not involve any concentrated sulfuric acid, nitric acid, nor huge water quantities needed for the purification, unlike the prior art.

Abstract: A seat assembly for a choke valve assembly includes a housing having an internal passage, in which the housing is formed from a non-superhard material. The seat assembly also includes a seat disposed within the internal passage of the housing. The seat is configured to engage a needle of the choke valve assembly while the choke valve assembly is in a closed state, and the seat is formed from a first superhard material. In addition, the seat assembly includes an annular insert disposed within the internal passage of the housing downstream from the seat. The annular insert is formed from a second superhard material, and a maximum cross-sectional area of the seat along a longitudinal axis of the seat assembly is greater than a maximum cross-sectional area of the annular insert along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of preparing a lithium-ion battery electrode, S1, preparing a carbon nanotube raw material; S2, providing an electrode active material and a solvent; S3, mixing the carbon nanotube raw material and the electrode active material with the solvent to form a mixture, and stirring the mixture to form an electrode mixture; and S4, spraying the electrode mixture on a substrate to form an electrode layer, and removing the substrate and drying the electrode layer to form the lithium-ion battery electrode.

Abstract: Transparent, electrically conductive vanadium oxide-based perovskite films and methods of making the vanadium oxide-based perovskite films are provided. Transparent conducting vanadate perovskites are made by forming a layer of amorphous vanadate perovskite precursor around a plurality of nanoscale, crystalline, perovskite oxide seeds and heating the layer of amorphous vanadate perovskite precursor at a temperature that favors lateral vanadate perovskite crystal growth from the perovskite oxide seeds over homogeneous crystal nucleation within the layer of amorphous vanadate perovskite precursor material. The crystallization processes can form the desired vanadate perovskite phase directly or via a transformation in a controlled gas environment from an initial crystallized vanadate perovskite phase that has a higher oxidation state.

Abstract: In a hard mask formed on a target film formed on a substrate, a first film having a stress in a first direction and a second film having a stress in a second direction opposite to the first direction are alternately stacked one or more times.

Abstract: A thermoelectric conversion module includes a base material having heat insulation properties and carbon nanotube yarn that is helically wound around the base material, P-type parts and N-type parts are alternately arranged and are series-connected in an extension direction of the carbon nanotube yarn, one side part of a helix formed by the carbon nanotube yarn is formed as a heat reception part, and the other side part across the base material from the one side part is formed as a heat dissipation part, lengths of the P-type parts and lengths of the N-type parts are shorter than a length of a one-turn portion of the helix, and the P-type parts and the N-type parts are arranged such that respective one end parts are included in the heat reception part and respective other end parts are included in the heat dissipation part.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting tool comprising a base body and a hard carbon film arranged on the base body, in which the hard carbon film includes an amorphous phase and a graphite phase, the degree of crystallinity of the hard carbon film is no more than 6.5%, and the degree of orientation of the graphite phase is no more than 6.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to abrasive articles including conformable coatings, e.g. a hydrophobic coating, methods of making and polishing systems therefrom. The present disclosure provides an abrasive layer, having a hydrophobic exterior surface, including at least one of (i) a plurality of individual diamond particles and (ii) a plurality of engineered features having a conformable diamond layer and; a conformable hydrophobic layer in contact with and at least partially coating at least one of the plurality of individual diamond particles and the conformable diamond layer and, wherein the conformable hydrophobic layer includes diamond like glass and forms the hydrophobic exterior surface and the contact angle of the hydrophobic exterior surface is greater than 110 degrees.

Abstract: A laminate substrate which includes a single crystal diamond (111) layer, including: an underlying substrate, an intermediate layer on the underlying substrate, and the single crystal diamond (111) layer on the intermediate layer, in which the underlying substrate has a main surface which has an off angle within a range, ?8.0° or more and ?0.5° or less, or +0.5° or more and +8.0° or less in a crystal axis [_1_1 2] direction or a threefold symmetry direction thereof relative to a crystal plane orientation of (111), and the single crystal diamond (111) layer has an off angle within a range, more than ?10.5° and less than ?2.0°, or more than +2.0° and less than +10.5° in the crystal axis [_1_1 2] direction or a threefold symmetry direction thereof relative to the crystal plane orientation of (111).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for forming a graphene film on a substrate, the methods comprising depositing graphene on a surface of the substrate by a first vapor deposition step to form a discontinuous graphene crystal layer; depositing a graphene oxide layer on the discontinuous graphene crystal layer to form a composite layer; and depositing graphene on the composite layer by a second vapor deposition step, wherein the graphene oxide layer is substantially reduced to a graphene layer during the second vapor deposition step. Transparent coated substrates comprising such graphene films are also disclosed herein, wherein the graphene films have a resistance of less than about 10 K?/sq.

Abstract: An article including carbon-carbon composite substrate may be treated with an antioxidant coating prior to use in an oxidizing environment. The antioxidant coating may be configured to reduce oxidation at an external surface of the C—C composition and reduce ingress of oxidants into pores or other open passages defined by the C—C composite substrate to avoid internal oxidation. An example article includes a C—C composite substrate, a bond coat, and an antioxidant coating. The C—C composite substrate defines a friction surface and a non-friction surface. The bond coat is disposed on the non-friction surface. The antioxidant coating may be disposed on at least a portion of the bond coat. The antioxidant coating may include ytterbium disilicate and a sintering aid.

Abstract: Methods and techniques for deposition of amorphous carbon films on a substrate are provided. In one example, the method includes depositing an amorphous carbon film on an underlayer positioned on a susceptor in a first processing region. The method further includes implanting a dopant or the inert species into the amorphous carbon film in a second processing region. The implant species, energy, dose & temperature in some combination may be used to enhance the hardmask hardness. The method further includes patterning the doped amorphous carbon film. The method further includes etching the underlayer.

Abstract: Methods that expand the properties of laser-induced graphene (LIG) and the resulting LIG having the expanded properties. Methods of fabricating laser-induced graphene from materials, which range from natural, renewable precursors (such as cloth or paper) to high performance polymers (like Kevlar). With multiple lasing, however, highly conductive PEI-based LIG could be obtained using both multiple pass and defocus methods. The resulting laser-induced graphene can be used, inter alia, in electronic devices, as antifouling surfaces, in water treatment technology, in membranes, and in electronics on paper and food Such methods include fabrication of LIG in controlled atmospheres, such that, for example, superhydrophobic and superhydrophilic LIG surfaces can be obtained. Such methods further include fabricating laser-induced graphene by multiple lasing of carbon precursors. Such methods further include direct 3D printing of graphene materials from carbon precurors.

Abstract: Provided is a cutting tool that can have a long tool life even when used to cut soft metals in particular. The cutting tool comprises a base body and a hard carbon film arranged on the base body, the hard carbon film includes an amorphous phase and a graphite phase, the density of the hard carbon film is no less than 2.5 g/cm3 and no more than 3.5 g/cm3, the degree of crystallinity of the hard carbon film is no more than 6.5%, and the average coordination number of the amorphous phase is no less than 2.5 and no more than 4.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for reducing surface roughness of a diesel engine component. The method and system may apply a voltage to a plasma electrolyte polishing cell. The plasma electrolyte polishing cell may include a diesel engine component and an aqueous electrolyte solution. The method and system may cause a plasma layer to form around a surface of the diesel engine component as a result of applying the voltage to the plasma electrolyte polishing cell. The method and system may terminate the voltage to the plasma electrolyte polishing cell. The method and system may apply a coating process to the diesel engine component.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a tantalum carbide-coated carbon material and a method for manufacturing the same, and an aspect of the present disclosure provides a tantalum carbide-coated carbon material including: a carbon substrate; and a tantalum carbide coating layer formed on the carbon substrate by a CVD method, wherein microcracks included in the tantalum carbide coating layer have a maximum width of 1.5 ?m to 2.6 ?m.

Abstract: A de-icing assembly for a surface of an aircraft includes: a carcass with a first layer, a second layer, and a carcass centerline and a plurality of seams sewn into the carcass, wherein the plurality of seams join the first and second layers of the carcass together. The assembly includes a plurality of inflation passages formed by the plurality of seams and disposed between the first and second layers of the carcass. The system also includes a manifold fluidly connected to and disposed beneath the carcass, the manifold comprising a width and a manifold centerline oriented approximately perpendicular or parallel to the carcass centerline. The seams are sown by a stitchline formed of carbon nanotube yarn.

Abstract: A template-assisted method for the synthesis of 2D nanosheets comprises growing a 2D material on the surface of a nanoparticle substrate that acts as a template for nanosheet growth. The 2D nanosheets may then be released from the template surface, e.g. via chemical intercalation and exfoliation, purified, and the templates may be reused.

Abstract: A system for inductive heating of an aircraft surface includes a conductive outer layer configured to be located on an outer portion of the aircraft surface. The system further includes a carbon nanotube (CNT) yarn configured to receive and conduct electrical current. The system further includes an insulator located between the conductive outer layer and the CNT yarn such that the electrical current flowing through the CNT yarn generates induction heating on the conductive outer layer.

Abstract: A display includes: a display panel; and a panel bottom sheet disposed below the display panel, the panel bottom sheet including: a first heat dissipation layer; a second heat dissipation layer over the first heat dissipation layer, including a first opening formed completely through the second heat dissipation layer in a thickness direction; a heat dissipation coupling interlayer between the first heat dissipation layer and the second heat dissipation layer, and a heat dissipation substrate on the second heat dissipation layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a polyimide film including unit polymers that are omnidirectionally distributed, and a polyimide film. The present invention also provides a graphite sheet having good quality manufactured using the polyimide film.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method for fabricating a semiconductor device. The method includes providing a substrate, forming a first pad above the substrate, forming a first redistribution conductive layer on the first pad, and forming a first redistribution thermal release layer on the first redistribution conductive layer. The first redistribution conductive layer and the first redistribution thermal release layer together form a first redistribution structure and the first redistribution thermal release layer is configured to sustain a thermal resistance between about 0.04° C. cm2/Watt and about 0.25° C. cm2/Watt.

Abstract: Methods of depositing a nanocrystalline diamond film are described. The method may be used in the manufacture of integrated circuits. Methods include treating a substrate with a mild plasma to form a treated substrate surface, incubating the treated substrate with a carbon-rich weak plasma to nucleate diamond particles on the treated substrate surface, followed by treating the substrate with a strong plasma to form a nanocrystalline diamond film.

Abstract: A weightlifting shoe has a bottom sole, a midsole comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), and one or more panels attached to one or both of the midsole and the bottom sole to define an enclosure for a person's foot. The midsole may be disposed above at least a portion of the bottom sole and may have a decreasing thickness in a direction from a rear region of the bottom sole toward a front region of the bottom sole opposite the rear region. The enclosure may have an axis defined between opposing front and rear points on the enclosure at a longest part thereof and may have a width defined perpendicular to the axis. The width of the enclosure may have a maximum value at a position along the axis that is more than 70% of the way from the rear point to the front point.

Abstract: A filter media and methods are provided. The media is stretchable and exhibits a high degree of elongation which thereby extends its surface area during pleating. By extending surface area of media during pleating, the initial differential pressure is lowered as the area of media is stretched while keeping the same efficiency range with a compressed thickness of media on the affected area.

Abstract: A protective layer can be deposited on a surface of an porous polymer separator placing on a Li-metal electrode to protect against adverse electrochemical activity in a battery. The protective layer can be a multilayered structure including graphene oxide.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of transferring a graphene, the method comprising the steps of: forming a graphene on a first substrate; forming a polymer precursor mixture on a second substrate; disposing the graphene oppositely to the second substrate having the polymer precursor mixture formed thereon; pressing the first substrate and the second substrate while curing the polymer precursor mixture; and peeling off the first substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a method of fabricating a covalently reinforced carbon nanotube (CNT) assembly. The method includes producing a CNT assembly by pulling entangled CNTs from a CNT array fabricated on a substrate, the CNT assembly including a plurality of CNTs that are aligned; and creating covalent bonding between the CNTs of the CNT assembly by applying a high energy ion irradiation to the CNT assembly.