Akhatov I.S., Jang B.Z., Rastgaar Aagaah M., Schmidt D.R., Mitlyng A.S., Stewart M.B., Mahinfalah M.
North Dakota State University, US
Keywords: carbon nanotubes, nano-particles, vibration
In this paper we present a new nano powder production method. Basic idea of this method is as follows: a nanotube being placed in a vapor atmosphere will provoke condensation of vapor on the tip of the nanotube giving rise to a nano droplet formation. Without intervention, this nano droplet is stabilized at the tip by surface tension and van der Waals forces. Under a resonant mechanical excitation condition the nano droplet may become unstable and lose touch with the tip of the nanotube. This is how nano droplets may be created. Theoretical and experimental research to verify this idea has been conducted. It was shown that the stability of a nano droplet at the end of a carbon nanotube depends on mechanical properties of the carbon nanotube, droplet size, heat and mass transfer phenomena, thermal noise, amplitude and frequency of external excitation, etc. The mathematical modeling was used to correlate critical nano particle sizes with the driving frequency and other geometric, physical, and chemical properties of the system. The research is currently sponsored by NSF.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 2, Technical Proceedings of the 2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 2
Published: May 8, 2005
Pages: 25 - 28
Industry sector: Advanced Materials & Manufacturing
Topic: Nanoparticle Synthesis & Applications
ISBN: 0-9767985-1-4