Structured films containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) have enhanced mechanical performance in terms of strength, fracture resistance, and creep recovery of polyimide (PI) films. Preferably, the loadings of MWCNTs can be in the range of 0.1 wt % to 0.5 wt %. The strength of the new PI films dried at 60 C. increased by 55% and 72% for 0.1 wt % MWCNT and 0.5 wt % MWCNT loadings, respectively, while the fracture resistance increased by 23% for the 0.1 wt % MWCNTs and then decreases at a loading of 0.5 wt % MWCNTs. The films can be advantageously be created by managing a corresponding shift in the annealing temperature at which the maximum strength occurs as the MWCNT loadings increase.

A method for controlling density, porosity and/or gap size within a nanotube fabric layer is disclosed. In one aspect, this can be accomplished by controlling the degree of rafting in a nanotube fabric. In one aspect, the method includes adjusting the concentration of individual nanotube elements dispersed in a nanotube application solution. A high concentration of individual nanotube elements will tend to promote rafting in a nanotube fabric layer formed using such a nanotube application solution, whereas a lower concentration will tend to discourage rafting. In another aspect, the method includes adjusting the concentration of ionic particles dispersed in a nanotube application solution. A low concentration of ionic particles will tend to promote rafting in a nanotube fabric layer formed using such a nanotube application solution, whereas a higher concentration will tend to discourage rafting. In other aspects, both concentration parameters are adjusted.

Aqueous ink compositions and methods for fabricating a resistive material for a printed circuit are provided. The aqueous ink composition may include an aqueous solvent, one or more carbon nanoparticles, and one or more cellulose nanocrystals. The one or more carbon nanoparticles may include carbon nanotubes, such as multi-walled nanotubes, and the one or more cellulose nanocrystals may include cellulose nanocrystals functionalized with carboxylate groups.

Provided is an internal hybrid electrochemical cell comprising: (A) a pseudocapacitance cathode comprising a cathode active material that contains a conductive carbon material and a porphyrin compound, wherein the porphyrin compound is bonded to or supported by the carbon material to form a redox pair for pseudocapacitance, wherein the carbon material is selected from activated carbon, activated carbon black, expanded graphite flakes, exfoliated graphite worms, carbon nanotube, carbon nanofiber, carbon fiber, a combination thereof; (B) a battery-like anode comprising lithium metal, lithium metal alloy, or a prelithiated anode active material (e.g. prelithiated Si, SiO, Sn, SnO.sub.2, etc.), and (C) a lithium-containing electrolyte in physical contact with the anode and the cathode; wherein the cathode active material has a specific surface area no less than 100 m.sup.2/g which is in direct physical contact with the electrolyte.

Thermally conductive polymer (TCP) resin compositions are described, comprising: 50 to 75% matrix polymer (I) comprising styrenic polymers () such as ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) resins, ASA (acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate) resins and elastomeric block copolymers of the structure (S-(B/S)).sub.n-S; and 25 to 50% thermally conductive filler material (II) (D.sub.50 0.1 to 200 m), consisting of carbonyl iron powder (11-1) in mixture with multi wall carbon nanotubes, silicon carbide, diamond, graphite, aluminosilicates and/or boron nitride (II-2); wherein the volume ratio of (ll-1)/(ll-2) is 15:1 to 0.1:1. Shaped articles made thereof can be used for materials with antistatic finish, electrical and electronic housings, toys and helmet inlays.

Discrete, individualized carbon nanotubes having targeted, or selective, oxidation levels and/or content on the interior and exterior of the tube walls are claimed. Such carbon nanotubes can have little to no inner tube surface oxidation, or differing amounts and/or types of oxidation between the tubes' inner and outer surfaces. These new discrete carbon nanotubes are useful in plasticizers, which can then be used as an additive in compounding and formulation of elastomeric, thermoplastic and thermoset composite for improvement of mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.

An epitaxial structure and a method for making the same are provided. The epitaxial structure includes a substrate, an epitaxial layer and a carbon nanotube layer. The epitaxial layer is located on the substrate. The carbon nanotube layer is located in the epitaxial layer. The method includes following. A substrate having an epitaxial growth surface is provided. A carbon nanotube layer is suspended above the epitaxial growth surface. An epitaxial layer is epitaxially grown from the epitaxial growth surface to enclose the carbon nanotube layer therein. The epitaxial layer is a substantially homogenous material from the substrate.

Discrete, individualized carbon nanotubes having targeted, or selective, oxidation levels and/or content on the interior and exterior of the tube walls are claimed. Such carbon nanotubes can have little to no inner tube surface oxidation, or differing amounts and/or types of oxidation between the tubes' inner and outer surfaces. These new discrete carbon nanotubes are useful in plasticizers, which can then be used as an additive in compounding and formulation of elastomeric, thermoplastic and thermoset composite for improvement of mechanical, electrical and thermal properties.

Provided is a crosslinked rubber having excellent workability and heat resistance, and a crosslinkable rubber composition that can be used to form the crosslinked rubber. The crosslinkable rubber composition contains: a rubber including a carboxyl group-containing ethylenically unsaturated monomer unit; an amine-based crosslinking agent having a melting point of at least 50 C. and no higher than 180 C.; and one or more carbon nanotubes. The crosslinked rubber is obtainable through crosslinking of the crosslinkable rubber composition. The carbon nanotubes preferably have a BET specific surface area of from 600 m.sup.2/g to 2,000 m.sup.2/g.

A composition-of-matter is described herein comprising copper or an alloy thereof, and at least one nanocompound dispersed in the copper or an alloy thereof, wherein the copper or an alloy thereof is a cast metal. Further described herein are articles of manufacture comprising the composition-of-matter, and a process for preparing such a composition-of-matter, by dispersing at least one nanocompound in a melt of copper or and alloy thereof, and cooling the melt.