Enhancement of the twisted carbon nanotube fibers properties by drawing processing and acid treatment

Publication date: 5 April 2018
Source:Materials & Design, Volume 143
Author(s): Baoshuai Han, Enyu Guo, Xiang Xue, Zhiyong Zhao, Tiejun Li, Yanjin Xu, Liangshun Luo, Hongliang Hou
In this work, we report a promising processing methodology for enhancing the comprehensive properties of twisted carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers by combining drawing treatment with a copper capsule and subsequent acid treatment. This strengthening methodology enables the accurate control of the diameter of the as drawn CNT fibers, and provides an effective way to minimize surface damage to the CNT fibers during processing. The results show that the density, the CNT bundle alignment and the CNT fiber purity were improved after the combined strengthening treatment. Consequently, the tensile strength, electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity were significantly enhanced. Owing to the excellent properties, the strengthened CNT fibers have potential applications as an electric wire material.

Graphical abstract

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