This web site is a resource for training information on carbon nanotubes (CNT’s) in thermoplastics. The web site was created by Shawnee State University’s Plastics Engineering Technology and Digital Simulation and Gaming Engineering Technology Programs. Its development was funded through Ohio’s 3rd Frontier Program.

The combination of their small size and particular physical properties is what makes CNT’s special compared to other fibers. Nanotubes have dimensions on the molecular level, and consist of perfect graphite sheets rolled into hollow cylinders. There are two types: single-walled (with diameters of about 0.5–2 nanometers) and multi-walled (which have diameters of 2–50 nm). They resemble the polymer chains used as composite matrices — both have covalently bonded structures, similar dimensions and mechanical flexibility. This makes nanotubes entirely different from traditional fibers such as carbon or glass, which are relatively large (with diameters on the scale of micrometers) and brittle. The basic mechanical properties (such as strength) of nanotubes greatly exceed those of other fibers, yet this strength is combined with a low mass density, making them extremely light. Also, nanotubes can conduct heat and electricity down their long axes as efficiently as metals — a great improvement on traditional fibers.

To go through the training program, follow the table of contents through the four main pages: Safety, Materials, Processing, and Design. On each page you will find information on Plastics and CNT – Plastic Composites. There is also a case studies page that has two case studies involving carbon nanotubes in thermoplastics, one in design and one in processing. In addition, there is a papers and data page that includes documents related to CNT’s in thermoplastics and also a links page.