| abstract |
A composite of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) and a ceramic support (eg, silica) with a small amount of catalytic metals (eg, cobalt and molybdenum) is described. The particles comprising the metal and ceramic support are used as catalysts for the production of single-walled carbon nanotubes. The use of precipitated silica and fumed silica has resulted in a nanotube-ceramic composite that can synergistically improve the properties of both the ceramic (eg, silica) and the single-walled carbon nanotubes. Addition of these complexes to the polymer can improve their properties. These properties include thermal conductivity, thermal stability (degradation resistance), electrical conductivity, modification of crystallization kinetics, strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, and other mechanical properties. Other nanotube - ceramic composite may be generated based on AL 2 O 3, MgO and ZrO 2, which for example, are suitable for many diverse applications. |