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Published on: June 18, 2013
Orthogonally-oriented nanotube arrays: experiment I.
D P Sheehan1, J T Webster, L M Baird
1Department of Physics, University of San Diego, San Diego, CA 92110, USA.
Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology
|March 12, 2008
Summary
Researchers developed novel self-assembling surfaces using carbon nanotubes for ultra-low friction and adhesion. These orthogonally-oriented nanotube arrays (ONAs) offer superior tribological, electrical, and thermal properties for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Tribology
Background:
- Conventional solid surfaces exhibit limitations in adhesion, friction, and wear.
- Advanced materials like perfluorocarbons offer improved, yet still limited, tribological performance.
- Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) possess unique mechanical and electrical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe laboratory methods for fabricating self-assembling surfaces with carbon nanotubes.
- To investigate the spontaneous embedding of CNTs into trenched substrates.
- To evaluate the potential of orthogonally-oriented nanotube arrays (ONAs) for advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- Development of laboratory methods for embedding CNTs into trenched substrates.
- Utilization of microscopically trenched substrates and a custom ultrasonic atomization source.
- Observation of spontaneous CNT self-entrenchment via interfacial forces like capillary and surface tension.
Main Results:
- Successful demonstration of laboratory methods for embedding CNTs.
- Observation of spontaneous and controllable self-entrenchment of individual CNTs.
- Indication that ONAs can be fabricated relatively simply and inexpensively.
Conclusions:
- Orthogonally-oriented nanotube arrays (ONAs) show promise for significantly reduced surface adhesion and friction.
- ONAs are predicted to exhibit ultra-low wear and superior thermal and electrical conductivity.
- The described fabrication methods suggest a potentially simple and cost-effective route to ONA production.
