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One-step fabrication of free-standing flexible membranes reinforced with self-assembled arrays of carbon nanotubes

Journal Article · · Applied Physics Letters
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4898206· OSTI ID:22350912
; ; ; ;  [1];  [2];  [2]
  1. Istituto Nazionale di Ottica (CNR) Via Campi Flegrei, 34 Pozzuoli, Napoli (Italy)
  2. Department of Chemical Materials and Production Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, PiazzaleTecchio 80 (Naples) (Italy)
Here, we report on a single step approach for fabricating free-standing polymer membranes reinforced with arrayed self-assembled carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The CNTs are self-assembled spontaneously by electrode-free DC dielectrophoresis based on surface charge templates. The electrical charge template is generated through the pyroelectric effect onto periodically poled lithium niobate ferroelectric crystals. A thermal stimulus enables simultaneously the self-assembly of the CNTs and the cross-linking of the host polymer. Examples of thin polydimethylsiloxane membranes reinforced with CNT patterns are shown.
OSTI ID:
22350912
Journal Information:
Applied Physics Letters, Journal Name: Applied Physics Letters Journal Issue: 15 Vol. 105; ISSN APPLAB; ISSN 0003-6951
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English