Carbon nanotube-based electrical connectors
AssigneeNanoRidge Materials
InventorMichael T. Searfass
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Abstract
Electrical connectors comprising carbon nanotubes, at least one polymer, and a metallic electrical conductor are described. The carbon nanotubes are dispersed in the polymer to create an electrically-conducting polymer dispersion. The metallic electrical conductor contacts the electrically-conducting polymer dispersion to form the electrical connector. The electrical connectors include standard electrical connections for incorporation into standard electrical circuit applications. Methods to prepare the electrical connectors are described.
Claims30
An electrical connector comprising:
- at least one polymer;
- carbon nanotubes;
- wherein the carbon nanotubes are dispersed in the at least one polymer to form an electrically-conducting carbon nanotube/polymer dispersion;
- and
- an electrical conductor comprising two electrical connection points;
- wherein the electrical conductor comprises at least one metal;
- wherein a first of the two electrical connection points contacts the carbon nanotube/polymer dispersion;
- and
- wherein a second of the two electrical connection points comprises a standard electrical connection.
A method for constructing an electrical connector, wherein the method comprises:
- preparing a dispersion of carbon nanotubes in a polymer;
- wherein the carbon nanotubes in the dispersion are at least partially aligned;
- preparing an electrical conductor comprising at least one metal;
- wherein the electrical conductor comprises a first electrical point and a second electrical connection point;
- wherein the first electrical connection point comprises a plurality of electrically conducting pins;
- and
- wherein the second electrical connection point comprises a standard electrical connection;
- and
- connecting the electrical conductor and the dispersion of carbon nanotubes;
- wherein connecting comprises inserting the plurality of electrically conducting pins into the dispersion of carbon nanotubes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.