Selective production

For example, CarboDis is working on generating specific materials with CNTs which can be used for the applications targeted by other Inno.CNT projects. Evonik Industries is acting as project manager.

Enhancing understanding

The benefits of materials containing CNTs include optimal electrical conductivity and/or outstanding mechanical strength. To utilize these to the full, the relationship between the properties of CNTs and their role in processing and dispersion have to be investigated more thoroughly. CarboDis aims to get to the bottom of this technical relationship and is examining the property profiles that can be achieved in various components.

Tailor-made dispersing technology

Dispersing CNTs plays a key role in this. At present, obtaining the required CNT distribution in a material is still a challenge, as CNTs are normally present as clumped and tangled clusters. CarboDis is therefore investigating how to incorporate CNTs into various polymeric structures. The project aims to achieve effective and stable isolation of CNTs and uniform distribution in the matrix structure. The goal is to be able to integrate them into the relevant basic material as required.

The project findings are expected to open up new applications, especially for thermosets, thermoplastics and elastomers. The overriding goal is to achieve practical dispersing technologies that can be optimized for specific systems and thus provide a platform for industrial use of CNTs in polymers and their precursors