WARF TECHNOLOGIES

UW-Madison researchers have developed an efficient approach to augment the inter-fiber interactions in carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by introducing aramid nanofiber (ANF) links, which form stronger and reconfigurable interfacial hydrogen bonds and π−π stacking interactions that lead to synergistic performance improvement with failure retardation. Under supersonic impacts, strengthened interactions in CNT mats enhance their specific energy absorption up to 100 %, outperforming widely used bulk protective materials and nanomaterials. The distinct response time scales of hydrogen bonds at ultra-high strain rate deformations additionally lead to a strain-rate-dependent dynamic performance enhancement. These low-density, thermally stable nanofibrous materials may find use in extreme engineering applications such as defense and civilian protective applications (e.g. armor/impact shields) and aerospace.

Armor
Impact Shields &Materials
Aerospace Materials
 

Higher Specific Penetration Energy Absorption
Lower Failure Rate

For More Information About the Inventors

• Ramathasan Thevamaran

Tech Fields

• Materials & Chemicals : Composites
• Materials & Chemicals : Synthesis