Direct spinning of carbon nanotube fibres from liquid feedstock

Carbon nanotubes are regarded by many as being the next generation in high performance materials due to their unique properties. The Cambridge Process was developed to utilize these unique properties by directly spinning carbon nanotube fibres drawn from an aerogel sock. The sock is formed from carbon nanotubes grown via a catalytic chemical vapour deposition (CVD) process. Due to the nature of CVD, the process is readily scalable. Kilometres of fibre can be made at a rate of 20 m/min. Altering process parameters (catalyst concentration, feedstock injection rate, furnace temperature, and gas flow rate) allows the production of nanotubes of a desired morphology. The fibres have been characterized with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman Spectroscopy in order to confirm nanotube composition and orientation. The fibre possesses mechanical and electrical properties that rival or exceed those of present-day materials. Mechanical properties can be enhanced by increasing the degree of orientation of the nanotubes with the long axis of the fibre and by overall densification. These effects can be accomplished through drawing the fibre and solvent treatment.