Carbon nanotubes are one of the super heroes of nanotechnology. Extremely light and strong, with unique physical and electrical properties, they can be incorporated into a wide range of materials to improve their performance and create the super materials of the future.
NanoComposites Inc has developed new techniques for incorporating carbon nanotubes into polymers to create the next generation of nano-composite materials.Adding nanotubes to a material can make it stronger, more flexible, a better conductor, allowing materials to be designed and tweaked to fit a particular purpose.
But so far the potential of nano-composites has been limited because it’s difficult to ensure that the nanotubes are dispersed evenly through the polymer. Now, by chemically treating the carbon nanotubes, Nanocomposites have been able to get them to react with the polymer itself, ensuring they distribute evenly through the material. This has paved the way to new, more superior nanocomposite materials.
One of the earliest applications of this technology was in the oil industry where seals of all shapes and sizes have to withstand tremendous pressure, friction and temperatures. When they fail, which they do, it can cost rigs millions of dollars. But add carbon nanotubes to the rubber seals and they act like rebar steel in concrete, helping the seals withstand much higher temperatures and pressures and massively increasing their life expectancy.
Founded: 2004
Partner University: Rice University