Richard E. Smalley Institute for Nanoscale Science and - Center for ...

Aerospace
While investigating carbon nanotube
synthesis, Distinguished Faculty Fellow
Robert Hauge created a novel integrated
carbon structure by growing carbon nanotubes
on carbon fibers, like a hair brush
with bristles. Integrating carbon nanotubes
and fibers allows engineers to take advantage
of nanotube properties and wellknown
carbon fiber integration technology.
One aerospace application of interest is
ultrastrong and lightning-resistant versions
of carbon-fiber composite materials found
in airplanes.
Assistant Professor Jun Lou’s laboratory
examines nanocomposites that incorporate
carbon nanotubes. To achieve the
superior performance these composite
materials promise, the polymer matrix and
nanotube additive must interface strongly.
Lou’s researchers study matrix-nanotube
interface properties like load transfer, adhesion,
debonding and friction. Improved
nanotube composites are of particular
interest to materials engineers for applications
in airplane fabrication, retrievable
satellite launch vehicles and reusable
spacecraft.
Professor James Tour’s group investigates
carbon nanotube composites. During
this project funded by NASA, and cognizant
of the need for new processes to
repair spacecraft before they re-enter the
earth’s atmosphere, Tour blended carbon
nanotubes into elastomers that are typically
used for heat shield materials on the
space shuttle. When carbon nanotubes
are exposed to microwave radiation, they
produce tremendous amounts of localized
heat. For this application, the nanotube/
elastomer composite cures quickly, making
possible in-space repair to shuttle components
like the heat shield.
Professor Barrera’s nanocomposite research
extends to smart composites to
morph and self-heal. For this, Barrera’s
group investigates the incorporation of
functionalized carbon nanotubes, which
have been shown to actuate under electrical
stimulus. Aerospace applications
include airplane wings and bodies that can
morph to optimize maneuverability, speed
and fuel efficiency while in flight.
Robert Hauge
Jun Lou
James Tour
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