Carbon Nanotube Enhanced Nylons (CNT Nylon)
Of all types of nylons available, nylon 6 is the most common, with 60% of the world volume. Nylon 6 is a highly versatile nylon which can be injection molded. Due to its wear resistance, low permeability to gases and liquids, dimensional preservation, and erosion and corrosion resistivity, it is used in numerous applications such as apparel textiles, carpeting, safety belts, fishing lines, air bags, air intake manifolds, food packaging, cams, power tool housings, combs, and engineering plastics.
The addition of CNTs to nylons can enhance certain mechanical properties and the electrical conductivity of this normally insulating material. In researching mechanical improvements, ANI achieved improvements of tensile strength by 24%, flexural modulus by 48% and impact strength by 4% over neat nylon 6, while elongation is maintained at 100%.
For improving electrical conductivity, ANI created a patent pending process for coating nylon pellets with CNTs which breaks apart CNT clusters for even loading and minimizes CNT dust that is common to other methods in preparation for extruding enhanced nylons. Once extruded, the CNTs are well dispersed throughout the nylon matrix.
Nylon 6 with improved electrical conductivity can be used for its anti-static qualities, electrostatic discharge, and electromagnetic/RF shielding.
| Cross-section view of optical microscope images | |
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| Neat nylon 6 pellets | nylon 6 pellets coated with CNTs |
Work with Applied Nanotech to Achieve Your Goals
Applied Nanotech's dedicated team of scientists and technical staff are well qualified to innovate composite materials through the use of nanomaterials and impact modifiers. Companies who wish to benefit from high performance, functionalized composites, or solve a technical impasse within their own nanocomposite research and development programs should contact Applied Nanotech, Inc. sales(at)appliednanotech.net