Hierarchical agglomerates of carbon nanotubes as high-pressure cushions

Nano Lett. 2008 May;8(5):1323-7. doi: 10.1021/nl0733785. Epub 2008 Apr 3.

Abstract

We report the cushioning behavior of highly agglomerated carbon nanotubes. The nanotube agglomerates can be repeatedly compacted to achieve large volume reduction (>50%) and expanded to nearly original volume without structural failure, like a robust porous cushion. At a higher pressure range (10-125 MPa), the energy absorbed per unit volume is 1 order of magnitude higher than conventional cushion materials such as foamy polystyrene. The structure of hierarchical agglomerates can be controlled for tailoring the cushioning properties and obtaining a lower cushioning coefficient (higher energy absorption) over a wide range of pressures (1-100 MPa). The mechanism was studied in terms of morphology evolution of the nanotube aggregates and pore size distribution during compression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Compressive Strength
  • Crystallization / methods*
  • Elasticity
  • Hardness
  • Macromolecular Substances / chemistry
  • Materials Testing
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation
  • Nanotechnology / methods*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure*
  • Particle Size
  • Pressure
  • Surface Properties

Substances

  • Macromolecular Substances
  • Nanotubes, Carbon