Why chose n-Tec's carbon nanotubes?
Carbon Nanotubes have become well known structures. Our ambition is to provide the best quality materials of their kind.
This is why we have chosen the arc discharge method for our multi-wall carbon nanotube production and why we exclusively sell the core of the so-produced deposit – i.e. the part with the highest nanotube concentration.
Advantage over other production techniques
The mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of carbon nanotubes depend strongly on their structure. Because they are grown at very high temperatures (3000-4000°C), the carbon nanotubes produced by arc discharge have a structure close to ideal. They contain far less defects than nanotubes produced by any other method. They are therefore the best choice for every application where high performance is essential.
Multiwall carbon nanotubes versus singlewall carbon nanotubes
Chemical modification of the surface of the nanotubes may be required - for instance, when processing polymer composites - either to improve the dispersion of the nanotubes within the polymer matrix or to enhance the matrix/nanotubes interactions to get an optimal reinforcement. However, such a treatment may reduce the mechanical properties of single-wall nanotubes (SWNTs) because it disrupts the extended carbon bond network in the nanotube surface. The nanotubes produced by n-TEC are multi-wall nanotubes (MWNTs). The advantage of MWNTs over SWNTs is that their outer surface can be functionalized without affecting the inner layers, thereby preserving the mechanical properties of the whole structure.
We currently have two different grades of carbon nanotubes available.
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Purified Multiwall Carbon Nanotubes
This is the optimal choice for advanced applications. Higher nanotube content, better dispersibility and enhanced processability are some of the advantages of this chemically-purified grade compared to as-produced nanotubes.