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  Carbon nanotube/polymer composites resistant to ionizing radiationUSPTO Application #: 20060054488Title: Carbon nanotube/polymer composites resistant to ionizing radiation Abstract: Polymer composites directed to single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNT) dispersed within poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and their methods of synthesis. Composites of the present invention are also formulated as films and spun coat onto desired substrates. Advantageously, both the composites and films of the present invention exhibit resistance to radiation. (end of abstract) Agent: Saliwanchik Lloyd & Saliwanchik A Professional Association - Gainesville, FL, US Inventors: Julie P. Harmon, Patricia Anne O. Muisener, LaNetra M. Clayton, John D'Angelo USPTO Applicaton #: 20060054488 - Class: 204157150 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Chemistry: Electrical And Wave Energy, Non-distilling Bottoms Treatment, Processes Of Treating Materials By Wave Energy The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060054488. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/305,532, filed Nov. 27, 2002, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/334,158, filed Nov. 29, 2001, which are hereby incorporated in their entirety by reference. FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The subject invention pertains to the field of polymer composites, more particularly to the use of carbon nanotubes therein. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Since the discovery of carbon nanotubes in 1991, interest has focused on exploiting their novel electronic and mechanical properties on a macroscopic scale in polymer composites (Iijima, S., Nature (1991)). For example, nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of nanotube composites have applications in optical sensor technology (Jin, Z. et al., Chem. Phys. Lettrs. (2000)). Nanotubes are also of great interest in electromagnetic (EMI) shielding applications and in the design and development of nanoscale electronic devices (see Grimes, C. A. et al., Chem. Phys. Lettrs. (2000); and Star, A. et al., Agnew. Chem. Int. Ed. (2001)). Their high aspect ratio, mechanical strength and high modulus have prompted scientists to design and characterize novel composites of carbon nanotubes embedded in a series of host polymers (see Shadler, L. S. et al., Apply. Phys. Lettrs. (1998); Qian, D. et al., Apply. Phys. Lettrs. (2000); Bower, C. et al., Apply. Phys. Lettrs. (1999); Jin, L. et al., Apply. Phys. Lettrs. (1998); and Lourie, O. and H. D. Wagner, Apply. Phys. Lettrs. (1998)). Such ultra-strong, low-density, carbon nanotube composites demonstrate extraordinary potential for structural design in the building and automotive industry. [0004] The chemical modification of nanotubes further broadens their uses in polymeric composites. Experimental results indicate that certain free-radical initiators open .pi. bonds in carbon nanotubes. Indeed, when present during the addition polymerization of methyl methacrylate to create poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA), carbon nanotubes have been shown to participate in the polymerization process (Jia, Z. et al., Mater. Sci. and Eng. (1999)). Several studies show that electron and ion beam irradiation of nanotubes gives rise to amorphization and dimensional changes. In some instances, irradiation appears to be responsible for "soldering" nanotubes to form mechanicaljunctions (see Banhart, F., Nano Lettrs. (2001); Krasheninnikov, A. V. et al., Phys. Rev. (2001); Kiang, K. H. et al., J. Phys. Chem. (1996); McCarthy, B. et al., J. Mater. Sci. Letter. (2000); and Hwang, G. L. and K. C. Hwang, Nano Lett. (2001)). Untrasonification has been used to induce the sonochemical reactions of single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) and organic materials (Koshio, A. et al., Nano Lettrs. (2001)). Further intensive investigations document the functionalizing of nanotubes to render them soluble in various polymeric and liquid media (see Niyogi, S. et al., J. Amer. Chem. Soc. (2001); Hamon, M. A. et al., Adv. Mater. (1999); Sun, Y. et al., J. Amer. Chem. Soc. (2001); and Satishkumar, B. C. et al., J. Phys. B. At. Mol. Opt. Phys. (1996)). [0005] These previous studies prompted an investigation of the effects of gamma radiation on PMMA/SWNT nanocomposites. This study subjected irradiated samples of PMMA/SWNT composites to thermal and mechanical testing. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed in order to document radiation-induced effects on the nanocomposite structure. [0006] All references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, to the extent not inconsistent with the explicit teachings set forth herein. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] This invention relates to polymer nanotube composites and describes radiation induced chemistry at the interface of the host polymer and the nanotube structures. In one aspect, the present invention provides single wall carbon nanotube and poly(methyl methacrylate) composites that demonstrate radiation resistance. Further, the present invention provides a method for preparing such composites. [0008] The discoveries and teachings set forth herein impart insight into the nature of radiation-induced events in nanotubes and nanocomposites. As it will be apparent to those skilled in the art, these radiation resistant polymers can be advantageously used in the manufacture of biomedical devices, scintillators, and structures used in space environments. These items, previously constructed from inferior and undesirable materials, can be prone to many types of radiation exposure. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved polymer composite resistant to ionizing radiation. [0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide methods for improving polymer resistance to ionizing radiation. [0010] It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a polymer composite containing carbon nanotubes that are resistant to ionizing radiation. [0011] Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following detailed disclosure of the invention and appended drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0012] FIG. 1 is a graphical depiction of the Loss Modulus versus Temperature at 10 Hz for the neat PMMA and composite samples before and after irradiation. [0013] FIG. 2 is a graphical depiction of the Permitivity versus Temperature at 10,000 Hz for the neat PMMA and composite samples before and after irradiation. [0014] FIG. 3 is a graphical depiction of the Loss Factor versus Temperature at 10,000 Hz for the neat PMMA and composite samples before and after irradiation. [0015] FIG. 4 is a graphical depiction of the Ionic Conductivity versus Temperature at 10,000 Hz for the neat PMMA and composite samples before and after irradiation. [0016] FIG. 5a is a SEM micrograph of single wall nanotube paper before radiation. [0017] FIG. 5b is a SEM micrograph of single wall nanotube paper after 5.9 Mrad of gamma radiation. [0018] FIG. 6a is a SEM micrograph of spun coat films of 1% SWNT in PMMA before radiation. [0019] FIG. 6b is a SEM micrograph of spun coat films of 1% SWNT in PMMA after 5.9 Mrad of gamma radiation. Continue reading... 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