Inspired by Cheetah Skin Structure, University of Kashan, Australian Researchers Expand Applications of Carbon Nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes are one of the nanostructure forms which have attracted a lot of attention from the researchers of various fields of science and technology. The unique features of this nanomaterial including its strength and conductivity lead to the wide application of this nanotubes in nanoelectronics, drug delivery, and water purification industries, said Mohammad Mahdi Abolhasani, faculty member of Faculty of Chemistry, University of Kashan.

This research, using a polymer alloy of PMMA/PAN, is devised by a recurrent Cheetah skin pattern which prompts as a surface modification for these nanotubes. Actually, the adjusted pattern on the nanotubes resembles the structure of Cheetah skin.

This research improved the bond strength in the matrix and nanotubes and consequently lead to achievement of a high strength polymer nanocomposite.  This structure is completely controllable and other phases, like medication, can be transferred to target points. Also, this prevents the accumulation and bonding of nanotubes.

According to Dr. Aboulhasani, one of the problems with nanotubes is that they are slowly deposited in the solvents after a short time but these Cheetah-skin like nanotubes are able to sustain their stability up to 6 months in the solvent.

This research is the result of the efforts of Dr. Mohammad Mahdi Aboulhasani, faculty member of University of Kashan, Kamraan Shirvani Moghaddam, PhD Student of University of Deakin, Australia, and Dr. Hamid Khayyam and Dr. Minoo Naebe – researchers in University of Deakin. The results of this research were established in the 95^th volume of Composites: Part A (for further information regarding the findings of this research, click here).