Process for making a carbon nanotubes/ultra-high molar mass polyethylene composite fibre
US7780888B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Aug 24, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 23, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC D)Textiles; Paper
- CPC primaryD01F1/10
- WIPO fieldTextile and paper machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a process for making a carbon nanotubes/ultra-high molar mass polyethylene (CNTs/UHPE) composite fiber comprising the steps of a) pre-treating CNTs with an acidic aqueous solution; b) making a composition containing pre-treated CNTs dispersed in a solution of UHPE in a spin solvent; and c) spinning the composition obtained into fibers; wherein step b) comprises making a dispersion of pre-treated CNTs in an alcohol, and mixing this dispersion with a mixture of UHPE and spin solvent. With this process CNTs/UHPE composite fibers showing improved tensile properties are obtained at relatively low CNTs content. A further advantage is that no or hardly any additional components, like dispersion aids, need to be added to make a stable dispersion of CNTs in the spin composition. The invention also relates to a CNTs/UHPE composite fiber obtainable by the process according to the invention, and to semi-finished or end-use articles containing said composite fiber.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.