Feasibility study for increasing the size of high-strength carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Carbon nanotube (CNT), one of the representative nanocarbon materials, is expected as a structural material for space elevators because of its overwhelming strength-to-weight ratio. To use CNTs as engineering materials in the near future, it is necessary to increase the size of single-walled CNTs while maintaining their excellent mechanical characteristics. However, in practice, many defects are introduced during the enlargement process, causing a significant strength reduction. This paper discusses an effective method how to bundle and size up single-walled CNTs based on recent strength evaluation results to maintain their superior strength values.