Shear-induced Alignment of Nanoparticles in Coatings
Shear-induced alignment of nanoparticles brochure
Need:
A typical goal of arranging nanomaterials is the production of nano-scale conductive wires for electronics applications. While production of nanowires is commonly known in the art, production of substantially linear and ordered nanowires spanning several micrometers in length has posed a challenge. Structures are typically difficult to achieve using these methods, and when formed are typically not single, straight lines but rather branched arrays of curved lines.
Solution:
Researchers at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo have developed methods for shear-induced alignment of nanoparticles in coatings. Coatings incorporating nanoparticles may be applied to a substrate under shear to cause the nanoparticles to arrange linearly. The methods comprise of providing a dispersion medium containing a plurality of nanoparticles and forming a layer of 1-D nanowires.
Applications:
- Automotive refinish clear coats
- Fabricating nanowires
- Medical technology
- Optics studies and technology
- Nano electronics
- Nanotechnology research
Advantages:
- Resulting nanowire is straighter than previous methods
- Resulting nanowire is longer than previous methods
- Nanowires may be chained together
- Shear causes nanoparticles to align in straight lines
IP Status:
US 8,512,810 issued 08/20/2013
Licensing Status:
Available - please contact us for more information