STTR Phase I: Hybrid Carbon Reinforced Ceramic Nanocomposites

这个小型企业技术转移(STTR)第一阶段项目将研究使用ALD NanoSolutions获得专利的原子层沉积在颗粒上(粒子ALD)来涂层碳纳米管(CNT)，作为陶瓷复合材料的改进填充材料。碳纳米管将被分散成粉末陶瓷，然后在流态化床中使用ALD在混合物上覆盖一层纳米厚的氧化铝薄膜。涂层将确保陶瓷表面和碳纳米管之间的相容性，允许碳纳米管均匀分布在整个基质中，减少团聚和团聚。因此，烧结后的复合材料将能够更好地利用碳纳米管的高强度和高刚性，从而改善物理性能。将在小规模上调查工艺参数，最有希望的批次将扩大到~1公斤复合粉末。将研究这种材料的烧结，并测量所得到的复合坯料的物理性能。第二阶段的目标将包括更深入地研究涂层碳纳米管及其重量负载对复合材料的强度、附着力、摩擦和磨损性能的影响。第一阶段的成功完成将使所学的策略应用于其他面临类似材料处理问题的碳纳米管应用。

This Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase I project will investigate coating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using ALD NanoSolutions' patented atomic layer deposition on particles (Particle ALD) for use as improved filler materials for ceramic composites. The CNTs will be dispersed into a powdered ceramic, and the mixture will be coated with a nano-thick alumina film using ALD in a fluidized bed. The coating will ensure compatibility between the surfaces of the ceramic and the CNTs, allowing for even distribution of the CNTs throughout the matrix with less agglomeration and aggregation. The sintered composite will therefore be able to take better advantage of the high strength and stiffness of the CNTs, resulting in improved physical properties. Processing variables will be investigated on the small scale, and the most promising batch will be scaled up to ~1 kg of composite powder. Sintering of this material will be studied, and the physical properties of the resulting composite billets will be measured. The Phase II objectives will include more in-depth studies of the effect of the coated CNTs and their weight loading on the strength, adhesion, friction and wear properties of the composites. Successful completion of this Phase I will allow the strategies learned to be applied to other CNT applications that face similar material handling problems.