Carbon Nano-Tube, CNT
The molecule structure for Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) is a two-dimensional graphite roll into a three-dimensional cylinder. Based on different synthetic technology, the nanotube diameter can range from one to several hundreds nanometers with length ranging from several hundreds nanometer to several hundreds micrometers. With characteristics such as minute sizes, superior strength, high heat and electrical conductivity and low consumption, CNT has been view as a revolutionary super material for industries such as microelectronics, semiconductor, conductive composites, supercapacitor, fuel cell, solar cell, flat field effect display, illumination and controlled drug delivery/release.

Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) Lattice Structure Diagram
Study on Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) structure using high resolution electron microscope proves that multi-wall Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) are generally composed of several to tens of single-wall Carbon Nano-tube (CNT with a diameter of decimal to tens of nanometers. Each single-wall Nanotube is compose of hexagonal rings of carbon molecules with a general length of tens nanometer to several micrometer level. Each end of the cylinder is covered with a hemispherical “cap” of carbon molecules.

Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) Structure
Molecule structure diagram for diamond, graphite, carbon-60 and Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) in the carbon family
Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) mefit

Minute Size
Light Weight
High Strength
Toughness
Flexibility
High Electric Conductivity
High Heat Conductivity
Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) Mechanical Characteristics

 

SWCNT MWCNT DIAMAND CARBON FIBER STEEL EXPOXY RESIN WOODS
Young's modulus 1054 1200 910-1250 350 208 3.5 16
Tensile Strength 150 150 ----- 2.5 0.4 0.05 0.08

Carbon Nano-tube (CNT) Characteristics
Characteristics Nanotube Other Materials
Size Diameter about < 10nm Electronic beam etching wiring about 50nm Thickness about several nm
Density 1.33~1.40g / cm3 Aluminum density about 2.7g / cm 3
Elastics Strength 4.5 ×1010 Pa High strength alloy steel can only sustain 2 ×10 9Pa
Recoverability Allow wide-angle bending, no defect after stretched recovery. Metal and carbon fiber will break on crystal interface
Sustain Current Estimated value109A/cm2 Copper wiring only can sustain 106A/cm2
Heat Conductivity Estimated value under room temperature 6,000W/m-K High purity diamond about 3,320 W/m-K
Heat Stability In vacuum 2,800 ? In atmosphere 700 ? Microchip metal wiring melting point is 600~1,000 ?