Search

Abstract: A novel approach to rapid fabrication of fullerene C60 nanotubes (FNTs) has been developed using C60–pyridine colloid as a precursor. The colloid was prepared by exposing a C60–pyridine solution to visible light. Without irradiation of the visible light, growth of FNTs is not found in the freshly prepared C60–pyridine solution and the ultrasound-agitated solution. By contrast, the FNTs were easily grown in the C60–pyridine solution which was exposed to the visible light. The observation of the Tyndall effect indicated the formation of C60–pyridine colloid that is essential for synthesizing the FNTs with excellent reproducibility. The results showed that the wall of FNTs was a local face-centered cubic crystal arrangement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• A new method for preparing CNTs/Cu-Al 2 O 3 composite powders is proposed. • Internal oxidation of Cu-Al alloy powders promotes the formation of nano-copper particles. • Nano-copper particles are catalyst for CNTs growth. • The CNTs stand uniformly on the powders and well bonded to matrix. CNTs/Cu-Al 2 O 3 composite powders were successfully synthesized by in situ CVD using Cu-Al 2 O 3 composite powders obtained by internal oxidation of Cu-Al alloy powders. The multi-walled CNTs are obtained without agglomeration and stand on the surface of the composite powders. One end of the CNTs is well bound to matrix. The Cu nanoparticle was the catalyst for the growth of CNTs on the composite powders and Al 2 O 3 on the surface of the Cu-Al 2 O 3 powder plays a key role in the growth process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Poly (vinyl alcohol)/carbon nanotube (PVA/CNT) composite was coated on the surface of polypropylene thread for toughness enhancement. Multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were treated in acid and alkali to get water-soluble nanotubes, and then embedded into poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix, resulting in polymer–carbon composite with homogeneous nanotube dispersion. The stress–strain measurements show that the tensile strength and toughness of the PVA/CNT coated thread increased by 117% and 560%, respectively. These results are supportive of good interfacial bonding between the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and polymer matrix. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]