Selective Interbundle Cross-Linking for Lightweight and Superstrong Carbon Nanotube Yarns

In this study, a range of carbon nanotube yarn (CNTY) architectures was examined and controlled by chemical modification to gain a deeper understanding of CNTY load-bearing systems and produce lightweight and superstrong CNTYs. The architecture of CNTY, which has polymer layers surrounding a compact bundle without hampering the original state of the CNTs in the bundle, is a favorable design for further chemical cross-linking and for enhancing the load-transfer efficiency, as confirmed by in situ Raman spectroscopy under a stress load. The resulting CNTY exhibited excellent mechanical performance that exceeded the specific strength of the benchmark, high-performance fibers. This exceptional strength of the CNTY makes it a promising candidate for the cable of a space elevator traveling from the Earth to the International Space Station given its strength of 4.35 GPa/(g cm-3), which can withstand the self-weight of a 440 km cable.

Automated summary

This study examines and controls the architectures of carbon nanotube yarn (CNTY) through chemical modification in order to develop lightweight and superstrong CNTYs. The architecture of CNTY, with polymer layers surrounding a compact bundle of CNTs, allows for further chemical cross-linking and enhances load-transfer efficiency. The resulting CNTY exhibits excellent mechanical performance and is a promising candidate for a space elevator cable.