Controlled-orientation films and nanocomposites including nanotubes or other nanostructures

Abstract

Generally, the present invention provides methods for the production of materials comprising a plurality of nanostructures such as nanotubes (e.g., carbon nanotubes) and related articles. The plurality of nanostructures may be provided such that their long axes are substantially aligned and, in some cases, continuous from end to end of the sample. For example, in some cases, the nanostructures may be fabricated by uniformly growing the nanostructures on the surface of a substrate, such that the long axes are aligned and non-parallel to the substrate surface. The nanostructures may be, in some instances, substantially perpendicular to the substrate surface. In one set of embodiments, a force with a component normal to the long axes of the nanostructures may be applied to the substantially aligned nanostructures. The application of a force may result in a material comprising a relatively high volume fraction or mass density of nanostructures. In some instances, the application of a force may result in a material comprising relatively closely-spaced nanostructures. The materials described herein may be further processed for use in various applications, such as composite materials (e.g., nanocomposites). For example, a set of aligned nanostructures may be formed, and, after the application of a force, transferred, either in bulk or to another surface, and combined with another material (e.g., to form a nanocomposite) to enhance the properties of the material.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of producing a material, comprising:
 providing a plurality of nanostructures at least some of which have long axes, wherein
 the long axes of the nanostructures are substantially aligned relative to each other, 
 each nanostructure is positioned relative to an adjacent nanostructure at a distance so as to together define an average distance between adjacent nanostructures, and 
 the plurality of nanostructures extends a distance at least 10 times greater than the average distance between adjacent nanostructures in each of two orthogonal directions each perpendicular to the long axes; and 
   applying, to the plurality of nanostructures, a first force with a first component normal to the long axes of the nanostructures,   wherein the application of the first compressive force reduces the average distance between the nanostructures.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising applying a second compressive force with a second component, wherein the second component is normal to the average direction of the long axes of the nanostructures and orthogonal to the first component, and wherein the application of the second compressive force reduces the average distance between the nanostructures. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the second force is applied at the same time the first force is applied. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the second force is applied after the first force is applied. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the average distance between the nanostructures is reduced by at least about 25%. 
     
     
         6 - 13 . (canceled) 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nanostructures comprise carbon-based nano structures. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the carbon-based nanostructures comprise carbon nanotubes. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first force component is applied using a mechanical tool. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanostructures extends a distance at least 100 times greater than the average distance between adjacent nanostructures in each of two orthogonal directions each perpendicular to the long axes. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the plurality of nanostructures extends a distance at least 1000 times greater than the average distance between adjacent nanostructures in each of two orthogonal directions each perpendicular to the long axes. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising adding one or more support materials to the nanostructures, prior to the act of removing. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19 , wherein the support material is a monomer, a polymer, a fiber, a ceramic, or a metal. 
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the act of annealing the nano structures. 
     
     
         22 - 25 . (canceled) 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 applying a precursor support material to the plurality of nanostructures such that the precursor support material is transported between the nanostructures; and   solidifying the support material to form a nanocomposite material.   
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 26 , wherein the plurality of nanostructures remains substantially aligned. 
     
     
         28 - 86 . (canceled) 
     
     
         87 . A method of producing a material, comprising:
 providing an article comprising a plurality of nanostructures, wherein the volume fraction of the nanostructures within the article is at least about 5%;   applying a precursor support material to the plurality of nanostructures such that the precursor support material is transported between the nanostructures; and   solidifying the support material to form a nanocomposite material.   
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 87 , wherein the precursor support material is transported between the nanostructures by capillary forces. 
     
     
         89 - 95 . (canceled) 
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 87 , wherein solidifying the support material comprises polymerizing the support material. 
     
     
         97 - 107 . (canceled) 
     
     
         108 . A method comprising,
 providing a substrate on which a plurality of nanostructures is attached, and exposing the nanostructures to hydrogen such that the nanostructures are delaminated from the substrate.