Nanostrands are grown from a unique and patented Low Temperature Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Decomposition process (LTAPCVD). The strands initially grow as a three dimensional self supporting lattice of interconnected filaments. The as grown lattice is about 99.8% porous. The diameter, length, and orientation of the strands may be controlled by specifying the decomposition parameters.
How Nanostrands are UsedThis nanostrand lattice can be used to incorporate the properties of a nanostructured filament into a variety of materials systems. Such applicat ions include: conductivity, electromagnetic shielding or mechanical reinforcement. Other applications may take advantage of the chemical or metallurigcal properties of the nanos trand.
The nanostrands may be incorporated in one of two ways. The most common method is to mix the nanostrands into a matix material such as a polymer. Alterna tively, the nanostrand lattice may be formed or compressed to a predetermined density and shape after which the matrix material is infused into the nanostrand preform. It is by this second method that the three dimensional interconnected lattice of the nanostrands is retained and results in unique properties not available in other nanostructured systems.
Nickel nanostrand 500 nanometer diameter
1000x magnification