Carbon Nanotube Infused Composites via Plasma Processing
A continuous, plasma-based process for the production of carbon-nanotube-infused fibers is disclosed.
1 . A process for producing CNT-infused fiber, the process comprising:
modifying the surface of a fiber by exposing the fiber to a plasma jet;
applying, via a plasma process, a transition-metal catalyst to the modified fiber; and
growing carbon nanotubes on the catalyst-laden fiber by applying a carbon plasma to the catalyst-laden fiber, wherein the fiber is continuously in motion during the modifying, applying and growing operations.
2 . An apparatus comprising:
means for modifying the surface of a fiber via a plasma; and
means for applying a transition-metal catalyst to the modified fiber via a plasma; means for growing carbon nanotubes on the catalyst-laden fiber via a carbon plasma; and
means for keeping the fiber in constant motion while the surface is modified, the transition metal catalyst is applied, and the carbon nanotubes are grown.