Abstract:
Methods, systems, and devices for precision locating additively manufactured components for assembly and/or post processing manufacturing are provided for herein. In some embodiments, at least one component can be additively manufactured to include one or more kinematic features on one or more surfaces of the component. The kinematic feature(s) can be configured to engage complementary kinematic feature(s) formed in a second component so the two components can form an assembly. Alternatively, the kinematic feature(s) can be configured to engage complementary kinematic feature(s) associated with a post-processing machine such that the one or more post-processing actions can be performed on the component after the component is precisely located with respect to the machine by way of the kinematic features of the component and associated with the machine. A variety of systems and methods that utilize kinematic features are also provided.
Abstract:
Nanostructured assemblies are manufactured by condensing an evaporated wetting agent onto a nanostructure array formed from a plurality of generally aligned carbon nanotubes or other nanostructures. The condensed wetting agent draws the individual nanostructures together to form various geometries of nanostructured assemblies based on various parameters including process variables and the starting shape and dimensional features of the nanostructure array. Various simple and complex geometries can be achieved in this manner, including geometries that are curved, bent, or twisted. Adjacent nanostructure arrays of the same or different starting geometries can be shaped into compound or interrelating structures. Additional process steps such as plasma etching, coating and others can be used to control the shaping and structural attributes of the nanostructured assemblies. A method of making a molded replica of a shaped nanostructure array is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of making a nanostructured assembly comprising the steps of providing a nanostructure array comprising a plurality of nanostructures and shaping the nanostructure array by providing an evaporated wetting agent to the nanostructure array, condensing the evaporated wetting agent onto the nanostructure array and followed removing the condensed wetting agent from the nanostructure array, and a method of making a replica of a shaped nanostructure array are provided.
Abstract:
A method and system for aligning nanotubes within an extensible structure such as a yarn or non-woven sheet. The method includes providing an extensible structure having non-aligned nanotubes, adding a chemical mixture to the extensible structure so as to wet the extensible structure, and stretching the extensible structure so as to substantially align the nanotubes within the extensible structure. The system can include opposing rollers around which an extensible structure may be wrapped, mechanisms to rotate the rollers independently or away from one another as they rotate to stretch the extensible structure, and a reservoir from which a chemical mixture may be dispensed to wet the extensible structure to help in the stretching process.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for growing nanostructures is presented. A growth substrate including at least one reaction site is provided as is a device disposed proximate the growth substrate. Energy is provided to the reaction site and a reaction species is introduced to the growth substrate. This results in a nanostructure growing from the reaction site wherein the growth process of the nanostructure is controlled by providing a force to the device.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the formation and processing of nanostructures including nanotubes. Some embodiments provide processes for nanostructure growth using relatively mild conditions (e.g., low temperatures). In some cases, methods of the invention may improve the efficiency (e.g., catalyst efficiency) of nanostructure formation and may reduce the production of undesired byproducts during nanostructure formation, including volatile organic compounds and/or polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons. Such methods can both reduce the costs associated with nanostructure formation, as well as reduce the harmful effects of nanostructure fabrication on environmental and public health and safety.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.
Abstract:
The present invention provides methods for uniform growth of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) on the surface of a substrate, wherein the long axes of the nanostructures may be substantially aligned. The nanostructures may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials. For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed and transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, to another material to enhance the properties of the material. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance the mechanical properties of a material, for example, providing mechanical reinforcement at an interface between two materials or plies. In some cases, the nanostructures may enhance thermal and/or electronic properties of a material. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes.