Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Enrique J Garcia

Anastasios John Hart

Brian Lee Wardle

Alexander H Slocum, Jr

Alexander H Slocum

William J Mitchell

Alexander Henry Slocum

Patrik A Kunzler

Diego S Saito

Hulya Cebeci

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.

Continuous process for the production of nanostructures including nanotubes

Nanostructure-reinforced composite articles and methods

Generally, the present invention provides methods for the production of materials comprising a plurality of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) and related articles. The plurality of nanostructures may be provided such that their long axes are substantially aligned and, in some cases, continuous from end to end of the sample. For example, in some cases, the nanostructures may be fabricated by uniformly growing the nanostructures on the surface of a substrate, such that the long axes are aligned and non-parallel to the substrate surface. The nanostructures may be, in some instances, substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface. In one set of embodiments, a force with a component normal to the long axes of the nanostructures may be applied to the substantially aligned nanostructures. The application of a force may result in a material comprising a relatively high volume fraction or mass density of nanostructures. In some instances, the application of a force may result in a material comprising relatively closely-spaced nanostructures. The materials described herein may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials (e.g., nanocomposites). For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed, and, after the application of a force, transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, and combined with another material (e.g., to form a nanocomposite) to enhance the properties of the material.

Controlled-orientation films and nanocomposites including nanotubes or other nanostructures

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. The present invention also provides systems and methods for growth of nanostructures, including batch processes and continuous processes. For example, in certain embodiments, a system for growing nanostructures is provided which includes a growth substrate, a region able to expose the surface of the growth substrate to a set of conditions selected to cause catalytic formation of nanostructures on the surface of the growth substrate, and a region able to expose the surface of the growth substrate to a set of conditions selected to remove nanostructures from the surface of the growth substrate.

There is disclosed a seating system which may included a left seat and a right seat independently supported by left and right suspensions systems, respectively. The left and right suspension systems may provide independent vertical, lateral, azimuthal, and longitudinal roll motion of the left and right seats.

Growing community of inventors

Saragossa, Spain

Enrique J Garcia