Solid-state spun fibers and yarns from 1-mm long carbon nanotube forests synthesized by water-assisted chemical vapor deposition

Abstract

We report continuous carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers and yarns dry-drawn directly from water-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD) grown forests with about 1-mm height. As-drawn CNT fibers exist as aerogel and can be transformed into more compact fibers through twisting or densification with a volatile organic liquid. CNT fibers are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman microscopy, and wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the post-treated CNT fibers are investigated. The resulting fibers show the work of rupture of 30 J/g and DC electrical conductivity of 5.0 × 104 S/m. ⓒ 2008 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.