Enhanced spinnability of carbon nanotube fibers by surfactant addition

A surfactant is used to enhance spinnability of carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers during direct spinning via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). In this study, the non-ionic surfactant, polysorbate, is used due to its good solubility in the CNT synthesis solution. The addition of the surfactant increased the specific strength and electrical conductivity of CNT fibers. Due to these enhanced properties, CNT fibers can be spun at higher speeds which results in lower linear density. These enhancements are due to the reduced agglomeration of iron catalysts during the synthesis of CNT fibers via CVD. This simple approach may create new applications for CNT fibers, such as for artificial muscles and power cables.