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Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology

The Microstructure and Rheology of Carbon Nanotube Suspensions

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are nano-scale structures consisting of rolled graphite sheets. Because of their high mechanical strength, low density and high thermal and electrical conductivity, CNTs are being extensively researched as fillers in numerous matrices.

The initial challenge is finding a suitable method for dispersing the powdered CNTs in the suspending medium. The microstructure of the final dispersion will affect the macroscopic properties of the product. Suspension rheology also affects the processability of the material. It follows that understanding the microstructure and rheology of CNT suspensions is important for both material processing and product design.

This project includes:

  • An investigation of methods for forming CNT suspension.

  • An investigation of methods for characterising the microstructure of CNT suspensions

  • An investigation of the rheology of CNT suspensions in polypropylene and agarose.

 

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Carbon nano tubes

Carbon nano tubes

SEM images of Multi-walled CNTs produced by the Department of Materials Science and Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge

 

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