A group of Russian, Chinese and Belarusian researchers has created a new method that allows using carbon nanotubes as sensors to monitor the production parameters and operational conditions of polymer composites. As the Skoltech press service said, this significant achievement is due to the scientists’ efforts to scale up nanomaterials for industrial use.
Skoltech professor Albert Nasibulin explained that single-walled carbon nanotubes will not only help control polymer production parameters, but also monitor how the material behaves in real conditions. Researchers have been working on new methods for the production of these nanotubes and their practical applications for many years. They are particularly interested in how nanostructures can be used as composite and sensor components to analyze changes in material properties.
Scientists have recently developed technology to create ultrathin films from single-walled nanotubes that could act as sensors for a variety of electronic devices. Professor Nasibulin and his team investigated how these films could be used to monitor changes in the mechanical properties of thermoset polymers during their production and use. They found a way to embed films with gold electrodes into polymers without compromising their properties, which will allow technologists to precisely select the composition and structure of the materials. Skoltech researcher Hassan Ahmad Butt added that their work demonstrates the versatility of carbon nanotubes, which can be integrated into large parts without losing quality.
Source: Ferra
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