Multi-walled Patents (Class 977/752)
  • Publication number: 20120298925
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrically conductive polymer filler for preparing electrically conductive plastics and a preparation method thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to an electrically conductive polymer filler comprising carbon nanotube (CNT) microcapsules including carbon nanotubes encapsulated with a thermoplastic resin layer, and to a preparation method and an electrically conductive thermoplastic resin comprising the electrically conductive polymer filler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: HANNANOTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Soowan Kim, Sangpil Kim, Changwon Lee
  • Patent number: 8317978
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a non-brittle, carbon nanopaper from single wall, multiwall, and combination thereof, from carbon nanotubes, using a vacuum deposition, high temperature annealing, and polystyrene polymer rinse process; which nanopaper can be nitrided by either a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) process, or an by an electrochemical method, to obtain a useful chemically functionalized substrate, a substrate containing metastable N4, N8, and longer chain polymeric nitrogen clusters. Such nitrided carbon nanopaper can be used to enhance the ballistic performance of gun propellants, while reducing gun barrel wear and erosion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Thelma G. Manning, Zafar Iqbal
  • Publication number: 20120295360
    Abstract: The present invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for determination of ionizing radiation. In some embodiments, the devices comprise nanocomposite materials containing nanostructures (e.g., carbon nanotubes) dispersed in radiation sensitive polymers. In some cases, the device may include a conductive pathway that may be affected upon exposure to ionizing radiation. Embodiments described herein may provide inexpensive, large area, low power, and highly sensitive radiation detection materials/devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Timothy M. Swager, Jose M. Lobez
  • Publication number: 20120292578
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing composite materials based on at least one polymer and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and to composite materials obtained in this manner and the use thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Alexander Bacher, Michael Berkei, Eva Potyra, Jan Diemer, Susanne Lüssenheide, Jörg Metzge, Helmut Meyer, Irma Mikonsaari, Thomas Sawitowski, Boris Schunke, Janin Tecklenburg, Nadine Willing, Adrian Zanki
  • Publication number: 20120291620
    Abstract: An armor panel for protection from a projectile having a movement spinning axis. The panel comprises armor strips attached to each other, a front face for facing the projectile, and a rear face for facing away from the front face. The strips are arranged so that at least a majority thereof is oriented transversely to at least the front face. The strips are connected to each other so that a static friction force Fs1 needs to be applied to at least partially disconnect them, and/or material from which at least some strips are made is such that a static friction force Fs2 needs to be applied to at least partially disconnect a portion thereof. At least during penetration of the projectile into the panel, a dynamic friction force between the projectile and the strips exceeds, under the respective condition, at least one of the Fs1 and Fs2.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: PLASAN SASA LTD.
    Inventor: Yehoshua Yeshurun
  • Publication number: 20120295091
    Abstract: Methods for producing carbon films are disclosed herein. The methods include treating a carbon nanostructure with one or more dispersing agents, filtering the solution through a filter membrane to form the carbon film, releasing the carbon film from the filter membrane, and transferring the film onto a desired substrate without the use of sonication. Carbon films formed by said methods are also disclosed herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: William Marsh Rice University
    Inventors: Matteo Pasquali, Robert H. Hauge, Budhadipta Dan, Natnael Behabtu, Cary Pint
  • Patent number: 8313820
    Abstract: An exemplary actuator based on CNT yarns includes a base and a composite film mounted on a surface of the base. The composite film is extendable in a predetermined direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the base in response to light irradiation applied thereupon. The composite film includes a polymer layer, a plurality of semiconducting CNT yarns dispersed in the polymer layer, and a plurality of metallic CNT yarns dispersed in the polymer layer. A longitudinal of each semiconducting CNT yarn is substantially parallel with the direction. Each semiconducting CNT yarn includes a plurality of twisted semiconducting CNTs. A longitudinal of each metallic CNT yarn is substantially parallel with the direction. Each metallic CNT yarn includes a plurality of twisted metallic CNTs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Chin Hung
  • Publication number: 20120289112
    Abstract: Improved mechanical properties of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced polymer adhesive matrix nanocomposites are obtained by functionalizing the CNTs with a compound that bonds well to an epoxy matrix. The particles sufficiently improve mechanical properties of the nanocomposites, such as flexural strength and modulus.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: APPLIED NANOTECH HOLDINGS, INC.
    Inventors: DONGSHENG MAO, ZVI YANIV, TOM JACOB RAKOWSKI
  • Publication number: 20120289711
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing carbon nanomaterials and/or carbon micromaterials, in particular multi-wall carbon nanotubes. This method is characterized according to the invention in that the materials, in particular the side walls of the materials, undergo microwave-assisted functionalization. In addition, a correspondingly modified material is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: FUTURECARBON GMBH
    Inventors: Jens Helbig, Christian Zenkel
  • Patent number: 8307994
    Abstract: A filter includes a membrane having a plurality of nanochannels formed therein. A first surface charge material is deposited on an end portion of the nanochannels. The first surface charge material includes a surface charge to electrostatically influence ions in an electrolytic solution such that the nanochannels reflect ions back into the electrolytic solution while passing a fluid of the electrolytic solution. Methods for making and using the filter are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John M. Cotte, Christopher V. Jahnes, Hongbo Peng, Stephen M. Rossnagel
  • Publication number: 20120279810
    Abstract: A brake pad obtainable by peroxide cross-linking with a mixture comprising: a polymeric base having from 10 to 40 parts by weight of hydrogenated acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber (HNBR); from 90 to 60 parts by weight of a vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene-tetrafluoroethylene terpolymer; and, fibres from 5 to 15 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of polymeric base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Paolo FABRIS
  • Publication number: 20120279552
    Abstract: A bio-solar cell including: one or more photosynthetic complexes, each photosynthetic complex including one or more chlorophyll compounds and one or more components of Photosystem II; one or more carbon nanotubes upon which the one or more photosynthetic complexes are bound at a first region of the one or more carbon nanotubes; and a conductive substrate attached to a second region of the one or more carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: ECSQUARED INC.
    Inventor: Edward Crowder
  • Publication number: 20120280174
    Abstract: The method of inhibiting free radical polymerization of styrene includes adding multi-walled carbon nanotubes are added to the styrene monomer. The addition of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes at a concentration of 5% by weight is found to provide effective inhibition of the polymerization of the styrene. Greater decreases in the conversion rate of styrene to polystyrene are found through the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with a carboxylic group (COOH). Still greater decreases in the conversion rate of styrene to polystyrene are found through the addition of multi-walled carbon nanotubes functionalized with octadecylamine (C18H39N). The multi-walled carbon nanotubes may also be functionalized with other functional groups, such as octadecanoate, polyethylene glycol or phenol. The functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes only require addition at a concentration of 1% by weight to be effective in polymerization inhibition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicants: KING ABDULAZIZ CITY FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: MUATAZ ALI ATIEH, ADNAN AL-AMER, ISSAM THAHER AMR
  • Publication number: 20120283342
    Abstract: The present application includes alkali metal-promoted trimetallic catalysts for higher alcohol synthesis from synthesis gas, the catalyst comprising a catalyst of Formula (1): A-M1-M2-M3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN
    Inventors: Ajay Kumar Dalai, Venkateswara Rao Surisetty
  • Publication number: 20120276799
    Abstract: A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Nanocomp Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Lashmore, Robert Braden, Anastasios John Hart, John Welch
  • Publication number: 20120267223
    Abstract: A non-volatile bistable nano-electromechanical switch is provided for use in memory devices and microprocessors. The switch employs carbon nanotubes as the actuation element. A method has been developed for fabricating nanoswitches having one single-walled carbon nanotube as the actuator. The actuation of two different states can be achieved using the same low voltage for each state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: NORTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Sivasubramanian Somu, Ahmed Busnaina, Nicol McGruer, Peter Ryan, George G. Adams, Xugang Xiong, Taehoon Kim
  • Publication number: 20120267602
    Abstract: Provided is a method for controlling a device using a doped carbon-nanostructure, and a device including the doped carbon-nanostructure, in which the method for controlling the device selectively controls the mobility of electrons or holes using N-type or P-type doped carbon-nanostructure; the N-type or P-type impurities-doped carbon-nanostructure can selectively control the transport of electrons or holes according to a doped material; and also since the doped carbon-nanostructure limits the transport of charge that is the opposite charge to the transport facilitating charge, it can improve the efficiency of device by adding to a functional layer of device or using as a separate layer in the electrons or holes-only transporting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Sang Ouk Kim, Ji Sun Park, Ju Min Lee, Myoung Hoon Song
  • Publication number: 20120268840
    Abstract: Disclosed is a carbon nano-tube dispersant comprising a highly branched polymer having a repeating unit represented by, for example, formula (12) or (13), wherein the highly branched polymer is produced by the polycondensation of a triarylamine compound and an aldehyde compound and/or a ketone compound in the presence of an acid catalyst. The carbon nano-tube dispersant enables the dispersion of CNTs in a medium such as an organic solvent until the CNTs are so decomposed as to have an individual size. (In the formula, Z1 and Z2 independently represent a hydrogen atom, a phenyl group, a thienyl group, or the like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 25, 2010
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: Nissan Chemical Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Hida, Daigo Saito, Tatsuya Hatanaka
  • Patent number: 8294135
    Abstract: A high power density photo-electronic and photo-voltaic material comprising a bio-inorganic nanophotoelectronic material with a photosynthetic reaction center protein encapsulated inside a multi-wall carbon nanotube or nanotube array. The array can be on an electrode. The photosynthetic reaction center protein can be immobilized on the electrode surface and the protein molecules can have the same orientation. A method of making a high power density photo-electronic and photo-voltaic material comprising the steps of immobilizing a bio-inorganic nanophotoelectronic material with a photosynthetic reaction center protein inside a carbon nanotube, wherein the immobilizing is by passive diffusion, wherein the immobilizing can include using an organic linker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Nikolai Lebedev, Scott A Trammell, Stanislav Tsoi, Mark E Twigg, Joel M Schnur
  • Publication number: 20120263951
    Abstract: Nanocomposite wires having conductivities higher than for metal wires were prepared by pulling tows from a supported array of multiwalled carbon nanotubes and sputter depositing metal on the tows, which resulted in transverse bridges between adjacent nanotubes in the tows. These transverse bridges of metal attached adjacent nanotubes to each other and provided paths for electricity to flow from one nanotube to another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL SECURITY, LLC.
    Inventors: Fred Michael Mueller, Chris Randall Rose, Kenneth Ralph Marken, Raymond F. DePaula, Terry George Holesinger
  • Publication number: 20120263940
    Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to thermally conductive polymer composites and particularly to thermal interface materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ADA TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Steven C. Arzberger, Sayangdev Naha, Douglas Campbell
  • Publication number: 20120264034
    Abstract: A fuel cell electrode that contains a support layer and a catalyst layer, wherein the catalyst layer does not contain a noble metal catalyst and is formed of carbon nanotubes, wherein the carbon nanotubes have pores in sidewalls thereof, and have a pore size distribution of 0.1 nm to 30 nm and a BET specific surface area of 100 to 4,000 m2/g, wherein the pores penetrate or do not penetrate the sidewalls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicants: SHOWA DENKO CO., LTD, TOKYO INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Keiko WAKI, Masashi TAKANO, Kunchan LEE
  • Publication number: 20120258302
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a flexible sensing material made from (a) at least one flexible polymeric layer and (b) at least one conductive, curable coating layer containing about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. % of multi-walled carbon nanotubes having a diameter of greater than about 4 nm, about 10 wt. % to about 99 wt. % of an aliphatic urethane acrylate and about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a photoinitiator, wherein the weight percentages are based on the weight of the formulation, wherein the coating layer is curable by exposure to radiation and wherein the cured coating layer has a surface resistivity of about 102?/? to about 1010?/?. The inventive sensing material may prove useful for sensing one or more of pressure, temperature and moisture and find use in a wide variety of applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Hunt, Charles Todd Williams
  • Publication number: 20120256139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a conductive, curable coating made from about 0.01 wt. % to about 5 wt. %, of multi-walled carbon nanotubes, having a diameter of greater than about 4 nm, about 10 wt. % to about 99 wt. % of an aliphatic urethane acrylate and about 0.1 wt. % to about 15 wt. % of a photoinitiator, wherein the coating is curable by exposure to radiation and wherein the cured coating has a surface resistivity of about 102?/? to about 1010?/?. A process for the production of such coatings is also provided. There are many applications where carbon nanotubes in a radiation curable coating may enhance properties other than conductivity, such as physical and thermal properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: Bayer MaterialScience LLC
    Inventors: Robert N. Hunt, Charles Todd Williams
  • Publication number: 20120256704
    Abstract: An RF filter for an active medical device (AMD), for handling RF power induced in an associated lead from an external RF field at a selected MRI frequency or range frequencies includes a capacitor having a capacitance of between 100 and 10,000 picofarads, and a temperature stable dielectric having a dielectric constant of 200 or less and a temperature coefficient of capacitance (TCC) within the range of plus 400 to minus 7112 parts per million per degree centigrade. The capacitor's dielectric loss tangent in ohms is less than five percent of the capacitor's equivalent series resistance (ESR) at the selected MRI RF frequency or range of frequencies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: GREATBATCH LTD.
    Inventors: Robert Shawn Johnson, Dominick J. Frustaci, Warren S. Dabney, Robert A. Stevenson, Keith W. Seitz, Christine A. Frysz, Thomas Marzano, Richard L. Brendel, John E. Roberts, William Thiebolt, Christopher M. Williams, Jason Woods, Buehl E. Truex
  • Patent number: 8283403
    Abstract: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are so long that they cannot be penetrated inbetween carbon fibers during a prepreg preparation process, and are shortened in order for them not to be filtered out by the carbon fibers. This results in a huge improvement of the mechanical properties (flexural strength and flexural modulus) compared with neat epoxy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Nanotech Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Dongsheng Mao, Zvi Yaniv
  • Publication number: 20120252297
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of: providing a mixture of a polymer or a resin and a transition metal compound, producing a fiber from the mixture, and heating the fiber under conditions effective to form a carbon nanotube-containing carbonaceous fiber. The polymer or resin is an aromatic polymer or a precursor thereof and the mixture is a neat mixture or is combined with a solvent. Also disclosed are a carbonaceous fiber or carbonaceous nanofiber sheet having at least 15 wt. % carbon nanotubes, a fiber or nanofiber sheet having the a polymer or a resin and the transition metal compound, and a fiber or nanofiber sheet having an aromatic polymer and metal nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: The Government of the United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Teddy M. Keller, Matthew Laskoski
  • Publication number: 20120247180
    Abstract: Device for the selective detection of benzene gas, which comprises, on a base substrate, a combination of at least one functionalised multi- or single-wall carbon nanotube sensor decorated with rhodium clusters, and at least one functionalised multi- or single-wall carbon nanotube sensor decorated with metal clusters selected from gold, palladium, nickel and titanium, and/or undecorated, where said substrate additionally comprises means for measuring the variation in the resistance of said sensors. The device is useful at ambient temperature in the presence or absence of oxygen and easy to handle. It also relates to a method for the manufacturing thereof and for detecting the gas in the chemical industry, the petrochemical industry, petrol stations, or household, aeronautical or research applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Eduard Llobet Valero, Radouane Leghrib, Marc Delgado Olivella, Jean-Jacques Pireaux, Alexandre Felten, Jérôme Guillot, Henri-Nöel Migeon, Ali Mansour, François Amand Baudouin Reniers, Nicolas Yves Claessens, Frédéric Gilbert Michel Demoisson
  • Publication number: 20120251432
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a scaled method for producing substantially aligned carbon nanotubes by depositing onto a continuously moving substrate, (1) a catalyst to initiate and maintain the growth of carbon nanotubes, and (2) a carbon-bearing precursor. Products made from the disclosed method, such as monolayers of substantially aligned carbon nanotubes, and methods of using them are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2008
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Inventors: Christopher H. Cooper, Hai-Feng Zhang, Richard Czerw
  • Publication number: 20120247976
    Abstract: A non-invasive glucose sensor (10) for detecting an amount of glucose in bodily fluid, comprising: an organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) having a gate electrode (20); wherein a surface of the gate electrode (20) is modified with an enzyme and a nanomaterial to increase sensitivity and selectivity of the gate electrode (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Feng Yan, Helen L.W. Chan, Hao Tang
  • Patent number: 8277691
    Abstract: The present invention relates to composite electrodes for electrochemical devices, particularly to carbon nanotube composite electrodes for high performance electrochemical devices, such as ultracapacitors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Ada Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Wen Lu
  • Publication number: 20120244224
    Abstract: A method of inducing mineralization in a bone cell is described. The method comprises contacting a bone cell with a composition comprising nanoparticles. The nanoparticles can be single-walled carbon nanotubes, hydroxyapatite nanoparticles, TiO2 nanoparticles or silver nanoparticles. The bone cell can be an osteoblast cell. A method for increasing bone mass, bone healing or bone formation is also described which comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a composition comprising nanoparticles. The subject can suffer from a bone disease such as osteoporosis. The subject can suffer from a bone fracture and the method can comprise contacting bone cells near the bone fracture site with the composition. The composition can further comprise a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS
    Inventors: Alexandru S. BIRIS, Daniel CASCIANO, Meena Waleed MAHMOOD
  • Publication number: 20120241666
    Abstract: A cathode active material precursor for a rechargeable lithium battery including hollow nanofibrous carbon may be a composite cathode active material precursor for a rechargeable lithium battery including hollow nanofibrous carbon; and a cathode active material precursor joined to the skeleton of the hollow nanofibrous carbon, wherein the cathode active material precursor includes a metal composite of Ma(PO4)b.nH2O (Formula 1-1) or M(OH)c.nH2O (Formula 1-2), and a composite cathode material for a rechargeable lithium battery may be made electrically conductive by including a carbon substance, and the outside or the inside of the hollow nanofibrous carbon as well is charged with an olivine type lithium phosphate cathode material. Consequently, it is possible to improve electrical conductivity, and to ensure a high capacity density suitable for high-capacity batteries since the cathode active material is charged on the inside of the hollow nanofibrous carbon as well without wasting any space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2010
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: ROUTE JJ CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ji Jun Hong, Ki Taek Byun
  • Publication number: 20120237848
    Abstract: An electrochemical device, such as a fuel cell or an electrolyzer. In one embodiment, the electrochemical device includes a membrane electrode assembly (MEA), an anodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the anode of the MEA, a cathodic gas diffusion medium in contact with the cathode, a first bipolar plate in contact with the anodic gas diffusion medium, and a second bipolar plate in contact with the cathodic gas diffusion medium. Each of the bipolar plates includes an electrically-conductive, non-porous, liquid-permeable, substantially gas-impermeable membrane in contact with its respective gas diffusion medium, the membrane including a solid polymer electrolyte and a non-particulate, electrically-conductive material, such as carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and/or metal nanowires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Cortney K. Mittelsteadt, Castro S.T. Laicer, Katherine E. Harrison, Bryn M. McPheeters
  • Publication number: 20120235781
    Abstract: A method of forming a film is described. The method begins by forming a mixture including a polymer and a plurality of unordered nanomaterial. The film is dried and a plurality of pores is formed within the film. A sensitive film transducer capable of detecting changes in pressure and applied force can be made using this method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Zuruzi Bin Abu Samah
  • Publication number: 20120235541
    Abstract: The present invention relates to piezoelectrie energy conversion assemblies. The assembly includes a piezoelectric nanowire (such as a ZnO nanowire), an electrically conductive nanofilament (such as a carbon nanotube), a first electrically conductive element (such as a first metallic trace), and a second electrically conductive element (such as a second metallic trace). The first electrically conductive element is electrically connected to the piezoelectric nanowire, and the second electrically conductive element is electrically connected to the electrically conductive nanofilament. The piezoelectric nanowire and electrically conductive nanofilament are operable to contact one another such that a charge can flow from the first electrically conductive element, through the piezoelectric nanowire and the electrically conductive nanofilament, to the second electrically conductive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph F. Pinkerton
  • Publication number: 20120237557
    Abstract: Nanocomposite fibers containing one or more carbon nanotubes encapsulated in an polysaccharide gel matrix.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
    Inventors: Dan Lewitus, Joachim B. Kohn, Alexander Neimark, John Landers
  • Publication number: 20120234694
    Abstract: A filtration apparatus and filtration method can be used to reduce at least one contaminant (e.g., organic molecules, ions and/or biological microorganisms) in an aqueous fluid. The filtration apparatuses and methods of the invention can separate at least one contaminant from an aqueous fluid and/or oxidize at least one contaminant. In operation, an aqueous fluid is flowed through a filtration apparatus comprising a porous carbon nanotube filter material at an applied voltage. In some embodiments, the filtration apparatus described herein can be used for dead-end filtration. In some embodiments, the filtration apparatus described herein can be used for cross-over filtration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: PRESIDENT AND FELLOWS OF HARVARD COLLEGE
    Inventors: Chad D. Vecitis, Kirsten Van Fossen
  • Publication number: 20120235083
    Abstract: This invention pertains to a composition that can be used to heal cracks in plastics and other substrates. In the present invention, a composition comprising nanotubes, healing agent(s), and end caps for the nanotubes may be used to heal crack(s) as they begin to occur. With the composition, the healing agent(s) are contained within the nanotubes, and a reaction releases the healing agent(s) after the end caps can be removed from the nanotubes. This invention also includes a method of preparing a composition for healing cracks in plastics and other substrates. For this method, the healing agent(s) are filled inside of the nanotubes, and then end caps are bound onto the ends of the nanotubes. After a reaction occurs to remove the end caps and release the healing agent(s), the cracks within the substrate may then be healed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventor: Jorma Antero Virtanen
  • Publication number: 20120235080
    Abstract: The present invention is a nanoparticle mixture or suspension or nanofluid comprising nonmagnetically sensitive nanoparticles, magnetically sensitive nanoparticles, and surfactant(s). The present invention also relates to methods of preparing and using the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Inventors: Haiping Hong, G. P. "Bud" Peterson
  • Publication number: 20120228558
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a gel containing a nano-carbon material, which allows the gelling medium used to be selected from a wide range of substances, is applicable to other nano-carbon materials in addition to carbon nanotubes, and can be implemented in an extremely simple manner. A method for producing a gel containing a nano-carbon material of the present invention as a means for achieving the object is characterized in that a nano-carbon material is stir-mixed with a gelling medium that satisfies the following conditions (but is not an ionic liquid), the gelling medium being in a liquid or molten state: (1) the gelling medium is in a liquid state at ambient temperature or melts when heated; and (2) the gelling medium contains, in the molecule, two or more rings of at least one kind selected from optionally substituted aromatic hydrocarbon monocyclic ring and optionally substituted aromatic heteromonocyclic ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: SHIBAURA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Toshifumi Konishi, Takayuki Mochizuki, Koichiro Matsui
  • Publication number: 20120233725
    Abstract: A method of increasing the probability and rate of seed germination, increasing vegetative biomass, and increasing water uptake in seeds, in which a seed is introduced to an effective concentration of carbon nanomaterial. The effective concentration of carbon nanomaterial 100 is 10-200 ?g/mL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Inventors: Mariya V. Khodakovskaya, Alexandru S. Biris
  • Publication number: 20120228758
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for fabricating a low electric resistance ohmic contact, or interface, between a Carbon Nanotube (CNT) and a desired node on a substrate. In one embodiment, the CNT is a Multiwalled, or Multiwall, Carbon Nanotube (MWCNT), and the interface provides a low electric resistance ohmic contact between all conduction shells, or at least a majority of conduction shells, of the MWCNT and the desired node on the substrate. In one embodiment, a Focused Electron Beam Chemical Vapor Deposition (FEB-CVD) process is used to deposit an interface material near an exposed end of the MWCNT in such a manner that surface diffusion of precursor molecules used in the FEB-CVD process induces lateral spread of the deposited interface material into the exposed end of the MWCNT, thereby providing a contact to all conduction shells, or at least a majority of the conduction shells, of the MWCNT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Andrei G. Fedorov, Konrad Rykaczewski
  • Publication number: 20120223017
    Abstract: Provided is a method of purifying oil by which nano particles are effectively removed from the oil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: BIONEER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Han Oh PARK, Jae Ha KIM, Myung Kuk JIN
  • Publication number: 20120222812
    Abstract: Fire retardant materials arc provided that contain carbon nanotubes and particles capable of endothermically reacting when exposed to elevated temperatures. The carbon nanotubes may be a buckypaper. Methods also are provided for making a fire retardant material and for improving the fire retardation capabilities of a material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: FLORIDA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH FOUNDATION, INC.
    Inventors: Changchun Zeng, Chuck Zhang, Ben Wang, Richard Liang, Chase Knight
  • Patent number: 8257677
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of dispersing carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in a continuous phase, especially in at least one dispersion medium, the carbon nanotubes, especially without prior pretreatment, being dispersed in a continuous phase, especially in at least one dispersion medium, in the presence of at least one dispersant (dispersing agent), with introduction of an energy input sufficient for dispersing, and also to the dispersions that are obtainable in this way, and to their use. With the method of the invention it is possible for the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to be dispersed in high concentrations and with high storage stability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Berkei, Ulrich Nolte, Thomas Sawitowski, Wolfgang Pritschins
  • Publication number: 20120219719
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing a composite carbon sheet, including the steps of: mixing 70 parts by weight of a first solution as a dispersant with 30 parts by weight of a second solution as a binder to prepare a third solution; mixing 80˜97 parts by weight of the third solution with 3˜20 parts by weight of any one selected from the group consisting of single-wall carbon nanotubes, double-wall carbon nanotubes, multi-wall carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, carbon nanoparticles, graphene and fullerene to prepare a fourth solution; dispersing the fourth solution to prepare a mixed dispersion solution; and coating an expanded graphite sheet with the mixed dispersion solution. The method is advantageous in that the thermal conductivity of the composite carbon sheet manufactured by this method can be improved, the physical properties thereof can be enhanced, the exfoliation thereof can be prevented, and the tensile strength and tear strength thereof can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Jong-Sam Yu
  • Publication number: 20120219831
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hybrid device comprising: an energy converting unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an energy converting medium arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein the energy conversion takes place between the first electrode and the second electrode; an energy charge storing unit comprising a first electrode, a second electrode and an electrolyte medium; wherein the energy charge is stored between the first and the second electrode; the second electrode of the energy converting unit and the second electrode of the energy charge storing unit being a shared electrode electrically connecting the energy converting unit and the energy charge storing unit; and wherein the shared electrode comprises a metal and a nanostructured material. The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacturing such a hybrid device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Wai Fatt Mak, Tsyh Ying Grace Wee, Teddy Salim, Madhavi Srinivasan, Subodh Mhaisalkar, Yin Chiang Freddy Boey
  • Publication number: 20120220695
    Abstract: A combination of multi-walled carbon nanotubes and single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes significantly improves the mechanical properties of polymer nanocomposites. Both flexural strength and flexural modulus of the MWNTs and single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes co-reinforced epoxy nanocomposites are further improved compared with same amount of either single-walled carbon nanotubes and/or double-walled carbon nanotubes or multi-walled carbon nanotubes reinforced epoxy nanocomposites. Besides epoxy, other thermoset polymers may also work.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2012
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventors: Dongsheng Mao, Zvi Yaniv
  • Publication number: 20120213663
    Abstract: The method of removing Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria from an aqueous solution includes the step of mixing multi-walled carbon nanotubes into an aqueous solution containing E. coli bacteria. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes have an antimicrobial effect against the E. coli bacteria. The multi-walled carbon nanotubes may be mixed into the aqueous solution at a concentration of approximately 0.002 g of multi-walled carbon nanotubes per 100 ml of the aqueous solution. In order to enhance antimicrobial activity, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes in the solution may be treated with microwave radiation, thus generating heat to further destroy the bacteria. In order to further enhance antimicrobial activity, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes may be functionalized with a carboxylic (COOH) group, functionalized with a phenol (C5H5OH) group, functionalized with a C18 group, such as 1-octadecanol (C18H38O), or may be impregnated with silver nanoparticles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: KING FAHD UNIVERSITY OF PETROLEUM AND MINERALS
    Inventors: MUATAZ ALI ATIEH, AMJAD BAJES KHALIL, TAHAR LAOUI, SAMER MOHAMMED AL HAKAMI