Carbon nanotubes are an emerging nanotechnology that were discovered accidentally in 1991. They are cylindrical structures made of carbon atoms that have extraordinary thermal and electrical conductivity as well as mechanical strength. There are currently three main methods for producing carbon nanotubes, with catalytic chemical vapor deposition being the most promising for mass production. While carbon nanotubes show potential for a wide range of applications, their use has been limited due to the complex, expensive production methods and inability to manufacture very long or defect-free nanotubes. Researchers are working to address these challenges and find ways to incorporate carbon nanotubes into composite materials to make products stronger and lighter.

1. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
Nano­technology
(Nanotubes) (CNTs)
An Emerging Technology
Mohammed Ahmed Hashem Dagestani
Sagar Patadoia Pratik Tembe Susan Vecchi
TECE­6200
Innovation and Entrepreneurial Growth
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2. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
Prof. Tucker Marion
CONTENTS:
1. Executive Summary ­Pg
3
2. Technology ­Pg
4 ­7
3. Market Applications ­Pg
8 ­10
4. Research and Development ­Pg
10 ­13
5. Commercialization ­Pg
14 ­15
6. Recommendations ­Pg
16
7. Conclusions ­Pg
16 ­17
8. References ­Pg
17 to 18
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3. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
Executive Summary
I guess everyone is familiar with the term Nanotechnology. Let me just still give a brief outline of
what the technology actually is. Nanotechnology is the engineering of functional systems at the molecular
scale. One nanometer (nm) is one billionth, or 10^(­9),
of a meter. To put that scale in another context,
the comparative size of a nanometer to a meter is the same as that of a marble to the size of the earth. It
has a variety of potential applications and the government has invested billions of dollars. It is a
revolutionary, transformative, powerful, and potentially very dangerous—or beneficial—technology.
The emergence of nanotechnology in the 1980s was caused by the convergence of experimental
advances such as the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope in 1981 and the discovery of
fullerenes in 1985. The field was subject to growing public awareness and controversy in the early
2000s, with prominent debates about both its potential implications as well as the feasibility of the
applications envisioned by advocates of molecular nanotechnology, and with governments moving to
promote and fund research into nanotechnology. The early 2000s also saw the beginnings of some
commercial applications of nanotechnology.
Carbon nanotubes were discovered by accident in 1991, when a scientist was using the arc
discharge method of carbon synthesis to create fullerenes. While he indeed created the fullerenes he’d
set out to produce, he also discovered the production of carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs)
are allotropes of carbon with a cylindrical nanostructure.
It has various applications (like electronics, automotive, aeronautics, etc.) that are already in
practice and also have the ability to change the face of construction industry, the automobile industry,
materials science industry, the space program and a variety of activities and products associated with
daily living. Carbon Nanotubes are processed in different ways to be used with different products for
example it is used with graphite as composite materials for making tennis rackets, golf clubs etc. We are
going to discuss in detail about the carbon nanotubes in the further part.
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4. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
1. Technology
Background:
In actuality, however, carbon nanotubes had been discovered 30 years earlier, but had not been
fully appreciated at that time. In the late 1950s, Roger Bacon at Union Carbide, found a strange new
carbon fiber while studying carbon under conditions near its triple point. He observed straight, hollow
tubes of carbon that appeared to consist in graphitic layers of carbon separated by the same spacing as
the planar layers of graphite. In the 1970s, Morinobu Endo observed these tubes again, produced by a
gas­phase
process. Indeed, he even observed some tubes consisting in only a single layer of rolled­up
graphite.
Technical
A nanotube is a tiny, hollow, long, thin and strong tube with an outside diameter of a nanometer
that is formed from atoms such as carbon. A hair from a person’s head is around 50,000 nanometers
wide. Nanotubes are also fifty­times
stronger than steel, so long filaments can be used to create
super­tough
lightweight materials.
Carbon nanotube or CNT is not a new term in the present scenario actually it is the allotrope of
carbon sharing a cylindrical nanostructure. The length­to­diameter
of nanotubes lies in between
132,000,000:1 and have very fascinating properties to be used in nanotechnology, optics, material
science, electronics and other fields of science.
Due to their extraordinary thermal conductivity, mechanical and electrical properties, they are
used as additives for various structural materials, for example, in baseball bats, car parts golf clubs etc.
Their name has been derived from their long, hollow structure with walls formed by one­atom
thick
sheets of carbon known as “Graphene”. These sheets are then rolled at specific and discrete angle and
the combination of rolling angle and radius decides the properties of these nanotubes. Nanotubes are
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5. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
either single­walled
nanotubes (SWNTs) or multi­walled
nanotubes (MWNTs). The particles of
nanotubes are held together by van der Waals forces. Applied quantum chemistry specially the orbital
hybridization best describes chemical bonding in them. Chemical bonds are chiefly composed of sp2
bonds similar to those occurring in graphite and are stronger than the sp3 bonds found in diamond and
alkanes and so are responsible for great strength of these structures.
Types
1. Single walled nanotube: Single walled nanotubes have only one layer of carbon nanotube.
The range of tensile strength of SWNT varies from 13­53
GPa.
2. Multi walled nanotube: They have multiple layers of carbon nanotubes around a single one.
The strength of multi walled is greater than that of the single walled. The range of tensile strength
for MWNT is around 11­150
GPa (Gigapascals).
Method of Production:
There are 3 Major methods of production of the carbon Nanotubes:
1. Electric Arc Discharge: In this method, Current is passed Between 2 Graphite Electrodes in
an inert Gas environment and Carbon from one gets deposited on another and can be collected.
The collection rate Directly Proportional to the Electric discharge. The Disadvantage here is that
the byproducts have to be separated from the CNT and the Yield is about 30% by mass
including the Byproducts and the CNT
2. Laser Ablation Method: Here laser vaporizes a Small sample of Graphite. Catalyst of Co and
Ni are used in the process. The Temperature of the Laser discharge can control the dimension
and size of the CNT. This gives about 70% yield by mass.
Both the above mentioned methods can’t be used for mass production as they have a low yield
and CNT are mixed with impurities. Also they are to be produced in batches, which is a major
issue for the Mass Production
3. Catalytic Chemical Vapor Deposition (CCVD): This method can produce CNT
continuously in a Rotary reactor and is suitable for Mass production of CNT’s. In this method a
carbon source in form of Carbon Vapors such as ethylene are used to Foster the growth of the
CNT’s. By varying the size of the catalyst we can vary the size of the CNT’s. Nitrogen or
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6. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
Hydrogen are added as the process gases and carbon sources are added at 700 degrees and 1
atm pressure. This forms the CNT’s on the Catalysts and they start growing vertically. No
debris are formed. It has the highest yield rate and because of this process the Rates of the
CNT’s now have fallen down to about $50 to $300 from $1000 to $1500 in the past decade.
Current Status & Issues with the technology
Although the carbon nanotubes were discovered 15 years ago, their use has been limited due to
the complex, dangerous, and expensive methods for their production. Currently, scientists are unable to
manufacture carbon tubes of a very long length and they are also working very hard to bond various
carbon tubes together to form a tube of an elongated length. If the defected tubes are all lined up, then
they can break when you apply a stress. Carbon nanotubes free of defects are really strong. The real
challenge is putting things like carbon nanotubes into the materials in a way that they help make the
equipment stronger and lighter. Scientists are studying these composites and different ways of bonding
the nanometer scale materials into them. Currently we are not able to manufacture any component
entirely of nanotubes because we can’t make carbon nanotubes long enough (yet), and hence we need
other materials in the composite. The detailed issues with Nano technology and Current markets are
discussed in the Research and Development and Market application subtopic respectively.
Forecast
The next generation might see the use of CNT as vehicle armor, personal armor, or also as the
next­generation
electronic display. Radios in future might be a part of Carbon Nanotube technology.
More than all, it might be possible to build space elevator because of its high tensile strength.
CNT has an electrical conductivity six orders of magnitude higher than copper. It might be
highly beneficial to the electric vehicle industry as it has the capability to enhance the functions of
graphite used in the Li­ion
batteries. It has high thermal conductivity and thermal resistance. These
properties could be used in clutches and brake linings of cars.
It is one of the major tools in the Kanzius cancer therapy, where it is used to kill the cancerous
cells. Research have shown that Carbon Nanotubes and their composite nanomaterials are suitable
materials for bone cell proliferation and bone formation. The use of CNTs in drug delivery and
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7. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
biosensing technology has the potential to revolutionize medicine.
Carbon nanotubes are strong and lightweight. These properties are perfect for certain sports
products like Tennis rackets and golf clubs. CNT along with other composite materials make a brilliant
tennis racket. In the future, you might see a whole tennis racket made out of CNT.
Human hurdles for adoption
The technology has not yet been completely understood as to how they work, how to
mass­produce
and how to cut down the cost of production. The technology currently is very expensive.
The low dimensional geometry of the CNT makes in unstable in nature. Humans can potentially
be exposed to CNTs by inhalation because unprocessed CNTs are lightweight and hence, airborne.
They can agglomerate and fill the air passage that may lead to suffocation. It is difficult and expensive to
grow defect free Nanotubes.
The “Nano trend” has assumed mega proportions but the criticism have followed this trend foot
by foot. The main hurdle for adoption is the belief in the technology. Like all emerging technologies, this
technology lacks ‘social constitution’ that addresses questions like: who will own the technology? Will it
be heavily restricted, or widely available? What will it do to the gap between rich and poor? How can
dangerous weapons be controlled, and perilous arms races be prevented?
Scientists and weapon manufacturers have already developed prototype paint bombs, filled with
disassembling nanobots that literally "eat” metal and can leave an enemy tank only a shadow of its
former self. Science fiction writers exploit fears of Nano robots turning into killers.
If the technology is headed in the right direction with a good purpose, i.e. to improve the world we live
in, the belief will develop as it does with all other emerging technologies.
Cost:
Carbon nanotubes are being produced at a rate of 50 grams per hour. In addition, because
companies are able to produce such a great amount of carbon nanotubes so quickly, they are able to
offer it to researchers and to non­profit
groups at a heavily reduced cost. This in turn makes it
economically feasible for these types of groups to work on producing the facts and evidence for real
world application of carbon nanotubes. This was due at the time to the rising demand for carbon
nanotubes when manufacturing could not keep up with the demand in the worldwide marketplace.
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8. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
Today we can get the CNT ranging anywhere from $95 to $500 per gram. More information on the
costing of Nano technology are discussed in the Research and Development sub Topic
2. Market Applications
Current Nanotube Markets
Currently, carbon nanotube producers such as Bayer Material Sciences and Catalytic Materials
have been leading efforts to develop high volume nanomaterials production and promote the use of this
technology.
Carbon nanotube materials are already in use by producers of X­Ray
machines, tennis rackets
and bicycle frames. The market for these materials is open and will expand into all sectors as the
production processes evolve and material compositions are refined.
Potential Future Markets
The market for nanotube materials is in its infancy. Though the future is promising, the market is
still developing as the technology is promoted further by innovators in the field. Several leading
university research efforts (e.g. University of Texas, Northeastern University) as well as small companies
refining the development of nanomaterials and production processes are actively promoting the
technology to industrial consumers. This is where the market will organically form as material scientists
and developers realize the potential for enhancing durability and strength in their products.
Potential future markets for nanotube materials will then include healthcare, energy and
environmental sectors. Some specific uses for nanotubes in the marketplace are:
1. To replace standard X­Ray
and CT scans by applying voltage to nanotube materials and
generating images of organs which far exceed the clarity of modern scans. The scans would
be able to retrieve the images faster and with multiple views.
2. To use Graphene (a semiconductor) to possibly replace silicon chips. Graphene is produced
by manipulating the nanotubes into strand form. Using this material instead of silicon would
enable chip manufacturers to fit more on a standard computer chip.
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9. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
3. Electronics materials with increased flexibility, durability and strength
Carbon nanotube composites that are bendable (by NASA)
4. Aircraft construction: to strengthen the parts of an airplane, coating on the wings to prevent
ice, bendable wings, etc.
5. A prototype for carbon nanotube tires (inner tube free) has been developed by designer
Brian Russell in Colorado.
6. e­Sheets
/ e­Paper,
10 times thinner than a sheet of paper, have passed the
proof­of­concept
tests at the University of Cincinnati's Novel Devices Laboratory. This will
revolutionize the smartphone and tablet industries by allowing the creation of foldable
devices. The product is known as “electrofluidic imaging film".
On the website http://www.nano.Gov, there are details about the research funded by the
National Science Foundation to use nanotechnology to prevent surfaces from attracting dirt.
Early Adopters
Nanotube based X­ray
machines have been produced by XinRay Systems (joint venture of
Siemens, Inc. and Xintech, Inc.) Catalytic Materials, LLC produces materials with carbon nanotubes &
nanofibers, platelet graphite nanofibers (graphene sheets), and carbon nanochips.
Bayer Material Sciences produces "Baytubes", they have developed a synthesis process for quality and
volume of production. They collaborate with other companies and universities to "drive the development
of applications using Baytubes". BMS also has been successful at using nanotube technology in plastic
compositions.
Mass Adoption Forecast:
Mass adoption of carbon nanotube technology will be dependent upon the cost of production
and the number of applications and sectors where it can find a niche. It will likely be developed by
smaller organizations looking to break into the materials manufacturing realm, but eventually will be
embraced by the larger material production companies.
One sector, graphene producing companies, has already shown promise as a leader in nanotube
materials adoption. A company called AMO touts its competencies in "nanofabrication, nanoelectronics,
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10. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
nanophotonics". It is a firm devoted specifically to help other companies learn how to use
nanofabrication, with their website promoting their business as "your partner in nanofabrication from
prototyping to production".
Competitors
Competition for the nanotube materials will simply be those companies producing existing
manufacturing materials at a lower cost. Composite materials, fabrics, metals that are currently used for
mass production may be cheaper until the production of usable nanomaterials is perfected.
Current technology: Prior to the widespread adoption of carbon nanotube technology, existing
materials will continue to be used.
Current market if there is one
1. Easton­Bell
Sports, Inc. have been in partnership with Zyvex Performance Materials, using
CNT technology in a number of their bicycle components—including flat and riser handlebars,
cranks, forks, seatposts, stems and aero bars.
2. Zyvex Technologies has also built a 54' maritime vessel, the Piranha Unmanned Surface Vessel,
as a technology demonstrator for what is possible using CNT technology. CNTs help improve the
structural performance of the vessel, resulting in a lightweight 8,000 lb boat that can carry a payload
of 15,000 lb over a range of 2,500 miles.
3. Amroy Europe Oy manufactures Hybtonite carbon nanoepoxy resins where carbon nanotubes
have been chemically activated to bond to epoxy, resulting in a composite material that is 20% to
30% stronger than other composite materials. It has been used for wind turbines, marine paints and
variety of sports gear such as skis, ice hockey sticks, baseball bats, hunting arrows, and surfboards.
4. Sports equipment: Applications and Nanocyl Solutions. Current nanotechnology applications in
the sports area include:
1. Tennis: In tennis, carbon nanotechnology is used to increase the strength of tennis racquets
by adding carbon nanotubes to the frames which increases control and power when you hit
the ball. Furthermore, they also reduce the rate of air leaks from tennis balls, so they keep
their bounce longer.
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11. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
2. Golf: In golf, carbon nanotubes from Nanocyl are used for filling any imperfections in the
club shaft materials with nanoparticles making the clubs stronger and perfectly straight. This
improves the uniformity of the material that makes up the shaft and thereby improving the
swing.
3. Other Sports: Nanocyl carbon nanotubes demonstrate the same properties, i.e. increasing
strength and consequently power, when added to the raw materials of hockey blades,
bicycle handlebars, baseball bats, etc.
3. Research and Development
Cost
The method to Mass Produce is CCVD by Rotary Reactor is very efficient as
compared to the others and this process can continuously produce the carbon Nanotubes.
Because of the continuous production high quantity and quality of the CNTs, the rates have
lowered significantly to about 75$ to $100 for a Gram of SWNT Compared to the rates a
decade ago when they were available for about 1000$ to 2000$.
There are many companies who supply CNT and the rates vary according to the
manufacturer. The range is about $75 to $100 gm. for a sample of 1 gm. The Cost also varies a
lot with the purity and the Walls of the CNT. High Purity SWNT may also cost about
$300.There are few links from which we can see and get a rough idea about the costing’s, they
are mentioned below.
1. CheapTubes:http://www.cheaptubes.com/carbonnanotubesprices.htm#Single_Layer_Graphene
_Oxide_Prices
2. (SWeNT) http://www.swentnano.com/tech/products.php#single
3. Helix Material Solutions: http://www.helixmaterial.com/Ordering.html
Time to reach the market
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12. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
This Nanotechnology is in the talks for decades together. But now we can see the Boom in the
Nanotechnology with the successful production and applications of the CNT. The Syntheses of the
CNTs from the Rotary Reactor using the CCVD technique can be used for Mass Production without
considerable debris and making Pure Carbon Nanotubes. Due to this research there are many adopters
of the CNTs and many Venture Capitalists are investing hugely in Nanotechnology. During the Next 5
years we will be seeing the increasing use of CNT in many products, which will eventually lead to
increase in the quality of the product and making the product even more durable, lighter and having
excellent properties. There is lot of research going on, billions of dollars spent in recent years to reduce
the production cost and making more efficient method of production. Many Start­ups
are now
appearing with various types of Carbon Nanotube materials and will continue to appear in the next 5
years and we will see CNTs appearing in nearly all of the materials ranging from our Cars to Bridges.
The use of CNTs in the Medical Field has been very promising. The research in this field is
going on from past decade and the Next 10 years are very crucial and we will be seeing many
breakthroughs in this field. The cancer treatment using Carbon nanotubes seems to be the most popular
research area. There is also research going on to improve drug delivery methods using the CNT. Testing
of the Medical methods already developed in medical industry, using the Carbon Nanotubes, is also
currently in progress. We will see that in years to come many medicines using the Carbon Nanotubes
either for Drug delivery or for radioactive treatment of many diseases and for Diagnoses.
Technical Hurdles and also challenges in commercialization:
1. Creating a uniform material: Since carbon nanotubes inherently want to stick together in
bundles, some companies have challenges dispersing the carbon nanotubes within the matrix
material. Companies use various ways of mitigating this problem, some of which are extrusion,
ultrasonic processing, and high shear mixing and melt spinning. All of these techniques help
disperse the carbon nanotubes, but none are end­all
solutions. Dispersing carbon nanotubes is a
very meticulous process that can vary from batch to batch because they are highly sensitive to
process parameters.
2. Purification: Depending on which production method is used, single­walled
carbon
nanotubes can be coated with unwanted soot. The challenge is figuring out how to separate the
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13. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
single­walled
carbon nanotubes from those substances, without changing or damaging the
carbon nanotubes. The soot typically consists of amorphous carbon, metal catalyst and
fullerenes, which need to be removed because they can interfere with the properties of the
carbon nanotubes. If multi­walled
carbon nanotubes are being produced using CVD, there is
no need for purification, because virtually no soot is left in the process. The main processes for
purifying single­walled
carbon nanotubes are oxidation and acid refluxing. There are many
other methods of purifying single­walled
carbon nanotubes available, but these are the most
common.
3. High Cost of Production: A start­up
company needs clean rooms, microscopes, probes,
power and other equipment. A challenge for small and start­up
companies is the affordability
of the equipment required for nanotechnology production and research. Aside from the
equipment, even the materials used to produce carbon nanotubes can be expensive i.e. the
current cost of catalysts for CVD production for single­walled
carbon nanotubes represents as
much as twenty to fifty percent of the cost of the product. In the future, the catalyst cost for the
CVD process will need to be reduced in order to drive down the cost of carbon nanotube
production. Another high cost is the nanotechnology workforce itself. Many companies in the
carbon nanotube composites industry are still doing a lot of basic research. This research
requires workers who have higher educations, which are, in turn, compensated higher than
most workers.
4. Risk Assessment: Unfortunately, of the billion­dollar
budget that the U.S. government spends
on nanotechnology each year, only about four percent is spent on risk assessment. A risk
assessment (RA) has not yet been developed for carbon nanotubes or carbon nanotube
composites. A (RA) quantifies the probability of a harmful effect on people or the environment
under certain conditions, and identifies product specifications, handling practices, disclosures,
and use limits that are necessary to assure that risks from the product are within an acceptable
range. Such an assessment is necessary, especially since most of the current regulatory measures
only deal with a single event—a cause and its effect—and do not consider the life cycle of the
products or its interactions with other events.
1:All of the above part of the research and development has been referred from -From a Journal presented at 'Wise'- Washington
internships for students of engineering
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14. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
Challenges in commercializing Carbon Nanotubes Composites by Emily Pfautsch- 2007 WISE Intern at University of Missouri - Columbia
4. Commercialization
Product:
Carbon Nanotubes is a disruptive technology that revolutionary change the quality standards of
products strengthen and stability. However, in this section will study the marketplace, commercialization
strategies and expected challenges to understand the product feasibility. The vital commercial strategy is
by campaigning to raise market awareness among companies and within the end users category to
control demand which drives companies strategy to satisfy these demands. Moreover, using the channel
of universities is one of platforms to promote the knowledge of CNTs.
Commercialization strategy
1. Raise awareness (educate market audience ­university
channel)
2. Growing demand
3. End customer's demand drive companies strategy
Commercial companies
Company Production kg/day Cost Type
Carbolex ~35 kg/day $60­100
Single­Walled
Nanotube
NanoLedge 120 g/day $64­85
Single­Walled
Nanotube
NanoLab 20­100
g/day $200­400
Single­Walled
Nanotube
http://www.nanotech-now.com/nanotube-survey-april2003.htmhttp://www.nanotech-n
ow.com/nanotube-survey-april2003.htm
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15. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
Target market
Companies such as Carbolex, CNRI, CNI and Catalytic are targeting R&D departments of
large corporate companies and Universities laboratory in areas of electronics and polymers. Those
targeted entities are using the technology as an additive that added value to their existing products or
creating a total new products based on CNTs. However, this technology has been used in several
markets and fields such as; Healthcare, environment, electronics and sport tools and materials. The
following exhibit show an example of two sport companies that use CNTs in their Tennis Rackets :­List
of Target markets
1. Universities
2. Corporate companies (Sport ­Health
...etc)
3. Laboratories
4. Governmental organization
Company Wilson Babolat
Advantages Increases strength, stability and power Stiffer racquet provides more
power.
Prices Average
$100­150
$100­150
Product nCodetm racquet frames containing silicon
dioxide nanoparticles
nstm Tennis racquet frames
containing carbon nanotubes
http://www.understandingnano.com/nanotechnology­company.
html
Challenges
Companies are facing challenges regardless other competitiveness and market advantages such as;
the quickness of changing in circle process for the Nanotubes technology and the adaptation of
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16. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
technology commercially. However, the limitation of technology, time and capital are the main challenges
that threatening CNTs producers. Yet, despite, the technology is rapidly improving and commercially
adopted. But, that do not allow companies to produce a sufficient quantity with efficient and acceptable
prices to cause technology diffusion.
5. RECOMMENDATIONS:
The major issue with any radical technology is the awareness of that technology. So is the case with
Carbon Nanotubes. The importance of carbon Nanotubes is less understood than it is criticized.
Spreading awareness about the potentials of CNT is very important for its future. Also, it needs support
in the R&D from the government bodies, Universities and the Research Organizations for its smooth and
efficient growth. Some recommendations to get this right:
1. Spreading awareness: Adopting the technology is one of the hardest step for most of emerging
technologies, raising awareness about the usage and importance of nanotubes is a crucial step to ease
the adoption. Organization and scientists have to spend more time and effort in making the technology
known not just within the academic field but also within most of our life aspects, and how CNT could
improve each aspect.
2. Increase R&D funding: The R&D funding bodies like the National Science Foundation, Federal
Government and State Government, Survey of R&D Expenditures at Universities and Colleges should
increase their focus and spendings on CNT companies. The technology is not yet been completely
understood by the scientists themselves. The basic research needs more focus and technology needs
better understanding. This will not only help to cut down the prices of the product, but also, the future
potential benefits can be well discovered.
6. CONCLUSION
Whether or not people accept it, the technology is here and it is here to stay. Carbon Nanotubes is the
future and it is going to make things function better. People will adopt it, maybe slowly, but surely. It is a
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17. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
great enhancement tool for a lot of industries like sports, electronics, automobiles, healthcare and I think
everything that you can possible think of. The applications are vast and wide and could be seen
everywhere in the near future.
There are over a hundred companies around the world in CNT market with major players with
Nanocyl, Showa Denko, Bayer MaterialScience and CNano Technology Limited AG being the leaders.
With 3141 Metric tons of CNT being produced in 2011, the production is expected to rise 12806
Metric Tons by 2016 with a CAGR of 32.5%. These statistics prove nothing but the potential that the
nanotubes holds in the future. The unique characteristics of CNT have created a superb all­carbon
material and can be considered as the best fiber ever fabricated. However, to hedge the gap between
the basic research and real world application is a little difficult. But, with the smooth and efficient transfer
of the basic findings to industries to commercialize, CNT will be the star of the future, probably a star
that takes you to a star, in an elevator.
7. References:
http://www.research.ibm.com/disciplines/materials_science.shtml
http://www.azonano.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=982
http://www.ceet.niu.edu/cecourse/NANO/101_projects.htm
http://ezinearticles.com/?Carbon­Nanotubes:
­Pros­and­Cons&
id=7189786
http://www.nano­c.
com/nanotubes.html#whatis
http://phys.org/news151938445.html
http://spectrum.ieee.org/nanoclast/semiconductors/materials/nist­reveals­reliability­problems­wit
h­carbon­nanotubes­in­electronics
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110817101955.htm
http://www.zimbio.com/Nanotechnology/articles/QDQi658wvOt/Carbon+Nanotubes+Pros+an
d+Cons
http://www.understandingnano.com/what­are­carbon­nanotubes.
html
http://news.brown.edu/pressreleases/2011/09/nanotips
http://discovermagazine.com/2009/jul­aug/
09­ways­carbon­nanotubes­just­might­rock­world
http://www.research.ibm.com/nanoscience/nanotubes.html
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18. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
http://www.pa.msu.edu/cmp/csc/nanotube.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube
http://nanogloss.com/nanotechnology/advantages­and­disadvantages­of­nanotechnology/#
axzz2
BJlZR6vA
http://nanogloss.com/category/nanotubes/#ixzz2Bae8TUiJ
http://www.nasa.gov/vision/earth/technologies/nanotechnology.html
http://www.nanotube­suppliers.
com/node/9
http://hyperioncatalysis.com/technology2.htm
http://www.scribd.com/doc/79246472/Carbon­Nanotube­Science
http://www.nanooze.org/english/articles/article22_swingyourracket.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_nanotube#Current_applications
http://spectrum.ieee.org/tech­talk/
semiconductors/devices/the_long_and_short_of_carbon
_n
http://nanogloss.com/nanotubes/how­much­do­nanotubes­cost/#
ixzz2BZdtYiSf
http://nanogloss.com/nanotubes/how­much­do­nanotubes­cost/#
ixzz2BZdFPyUL
http://www.research.ibm.com/nanoscience/nanotubes.html
1. http://www.technologyreview.com/tagged/nanotubes/
http://www.howstuffworks.com/nanotechnology.htm
http://www.nano.gov/
Interview with Ray Baughman University of Texas, UTD Nanotech Institute
by Nova:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19nzPt62UPg
http://www.understandingnano.com/nanotubes­carbon.
html
http://discovermagazine.com/2009/jul­aug/
09­ways­carbon­nanotubes­just­might­rock­w
orld
http://www.xinraysystems.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=
19&Itemid=39
http://www.xinraysystems.com/media/ACR_bulletin_MBFEX_2011.pdf
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19. CARBON NANOTUBES- [AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGY]
http://researchnews.osu.edu/archive/butterflynano.htm
http://www.wsbradio.com/videos/news/national/airless­bike­tires­use­carbon­nanotubes­t
o­keep/
vgzdY/
http://www.nanowerk.com/news2/newsid=27145.php
http://www.graphene­info.
com/companies
http://www.amo.de/aboutus.0.html?&L=0
http://www.wilson.com/en­us/
golf/wilsonstaff/history/wilson/;jsessionid=8D34463DAE85
8BB380046686D65D73F3
19 | Page