10-07/08 :: July/August 2010

nanotimes Companies Market Background: Composites

Nanofiber Composite Benefits and Advantages

 The mechanical strength of reinforced composites such as carbon fibers requires a high quality fiber-­‐matrix interface.

-­‐ Carbon nanotubes and silicon carbides have been used to increase the interfacial quality.

-­‐ These methods significantly degrade the mechanical proper

-­‐ A different solu

 The market for composites that contain nanoparAcles will approach $150M in 2013. Frost & Sullivan, 2008.

 Useful in the Aerospace, Defense and Automobile industries to reduce the weight of components without compromising strength.

 Lighter and stronger designs in sports equipment, such as bicycles, golf clubs and boats.

 Manufacturing sturdy support structures, casings and bases for electronics and communica

 Niche applica

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InnovaAon: Stronger carbon fibers

ASU has a technique to grow nanowires (such as ZnO) on structural fibers (such as carbon fiber) under low temperature condi

• Increases surface area by ~1000 • Up to 350% improvement in shear strength .

• Enhanced load transfer between the fiber and matrix material .

• Semi-­‐conduc• Does not affect the structural proper

Research Discovery

Technical Feasibility

Nanofiber Composite

Commercial Maturity Development Integration

Prototype

Commercialization Production

© Philip Dowd, Arizona Technology Enterprises (AzTE)