Composite Carbon Nanotube/Silica Fibers with Improved Mechanical Strengths and Electrical Conductivities

Two approaches to the synthesis of composite carbon nanotube/silica fibers in which the carbon nanotubes are highly aligned are investigated, one involving directly casting and the other using surface modification to induce hydrogen bonding between the carbon nanotubes and a silica precursor. Due to the nanotube alignment, these composites (see image) exhibit high strength and conductivity, and good chemical and thermal stability, and are expected to find applications in many advanced applications.