CNT Dispersions

Carbon nanotubes dispersions are strong and flexible however they are very cohesive. There are two approaches which are currently used in carbon nanotubes dispersion: the mechanical and the chemical approach. The mechanical approach includes ultrasonication method and high-shear mixing. On the other side, the chemical approach includes both covalent and non-covalent methods. Covalent methods involve chemical functionalization while non-covalent methods include adsorption of chemical moieties onto the nanotube surface. Carbon nanotubes can be used as a flame-retardant additive to plastics. These nanotube additives are attractive commercially because they can be used as a replacement for halogenated flame retardants, which have been restricted due to environmental regulations. Some other commercial applications of CNT dispersions are energy storage and environment, biotechnology, coating and films. Carbon nanotubes are used anticorrosion coatings for enhancing coating stiffness and strength. Also, CNT dispersions are widely used in lithium-ion batteries, super capacitors, biosensors and medical devices.