Methods for forming carbon nanotube dispersions
AssigneeVibrantz Color Solutions LLC
InventorsSantosh K. Yadav, Paul A. Rettinger
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Abstract
The present disclosure describes embodiments of novel methods and processes for forming CNT dispersions in media using a basket milling process. In particular, the methods and processes disperse CNT without damaging individual particles or affecting the properties of the particles. Testing of such methods demonstrates that recirculatory milling processes can be used to disperse SWCNT effectively and efficiently in a media.
Claims20
A method of forming a carbon nanotube dispersion comprising:
- providing a basket mill comprising a grinding chamber wherein a screen is contained within the wall and floor of the basket chamber, the grinding chamber comprising a milling media;
- agitating within the basket mill, a solution of dispersant and water with a blade,
- adding an amount of pristine carbon nanotubes to the agitated dispersant and water solution to produce a carbon nanotube solution;
- performing a mixing step at room temperature followed by
- performing a milling step in which a disc or blade passes through the basket for a period of time that is 3 hours or longer;
- and
- recovering a carbon nanotube dispersion from the basket mill after the milling step,
- wherein the sp2 hybridization of carbon atoms of the carbon nanotubes is not altered during the milling process as demonstrated by D and G bands of a Raman spectra of the carbon nanotube dispersion.
A method of forming a carbon nanotube dispersion comprising:
- providing a basket mill comprising a grinding chamber wherein a screen is contained within the wall and floor of the basket chamber, the grinding chamber comprising a milling media;
- agitating within the basket mill, a solution of dispersant and water with a blade,
- adding to the agitated dispersant and water solution carbon nanotube wherein the carbon nanotube solution comprises 10 parts carbon nanotube and dispersant for 990 parts water;
- performing a mixing step at room temperature followed by
- performing a milling step in which a disc or blade passes through the basket for a period of time;
- and
- recovering a carbon nanotube dispersion from the basket mill after the milling step,
- wherein the sp2 hybridization of carbon atoms of the carbon nanotubes is not altered during the milling process as demonstrated by D and G bands of a Raman spectra of the carbon nanotube dispersion;
- and
- wherein the median diameter of carbon nanotube bundles within the dispersion decreases with increasing basket mill time.
A method of forming a carbon nanotube dispersion comprising:
- providing a basket mill comprising a grinding chamber wherein a screen is contained within the wall and floor of the basket chamber, the grinding chamber comprising a milling media;
- agitating within the basket mill, a solution of dispersant and water with a blade,
- adding an amount of pristine carbon nanotubes to the agitated dispersant and water solution to produce a carbon nanotube solution that comprises only 4 parts carbon nanotube for 1000 parts of the carbon nanotube solution;
- performing a mixing step at room temperature followed by
- performing a milling step in which a disc or blade passes through the basket for a period of time;
- and
- recovering a carbon nanotube dispersion from the basket mill after the milling step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.