Multi-functional BN—BN composite

US9845269B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• National Institute of Aerospace Associates · US
• THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AS REPRESENTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION OF NASA. · US

Inventors

• Jin Ho Kang · Newport News, US
• Robert G. Bryant · Poquoson, US
• Cheol Park · Yorktown, US
• Godfrey Sauti · Hampton, US
• Luke Gibbons · Williamsburg, US
• Sharon E. Lowther · Hampton, US
• Sheila A. Thibeault · Hampton, US
• Catharine C. Fay · Yorktown, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 29, 2013
• Grant date: Dec 19, 2017
• Expiry date: Jan 4, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C04B2235/94
• WIPO field: Materials, metallurgy
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Multifunctional Boron Nitride nanotube-Boron Nitride (BN—BN) nanocomposites for energy transducers, thermal conductors, anti-penetrator/wear resistance coatings, and radiation hardened materials for harsh environments. An all boron-nitride structured BN—BN composite is synthesized. A boron nitride containing precursor is synthesized, then mixed with boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) to produce a composite solution which is used to make green bodies of different forms including, for example, fibers, mats, films, and plates. The green bodies are pyrolized to facilitate transformation into BN—BN composite ceramics. The pyrolysis temperature, pressure, atmosphere and time are controlled to produce a desired BN crystalline structure. The wholly BN structured materials exhibit excellent thermal stability, high thermal conductivity, piezoelectricity as well as enhanced toughness, hardness, and radiation shielding properties. By substituting with other elements into the original structure of the nanotubes and/or matrix, new nanocomposites (i.e., BCN, BCSiN ceramics) which possess excellent hardness, tailored photonic bandgap and photoluminescence, result.